Air pollution: The invisible health threat

Inadequate Integration of Air Pollution in Health Professional Education

Public health has long been concerned about the detrimental effects of air pollution. However, the issue of air pollution is not adequately integrated into the educational curricula of health professionals. This lack of integration hinders their ability to understand, assess, and mitigate the health risks associated with air pollution. By equipping health professionals with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills, we can empower them to take proactive measures that protect people’s health.

The Significance of Clean Air for Health and Wellbeing

Every day, we unknowingly inhale a storm of particles and molecules that pose a threat to our health. Clean air is a crucial determinant of our overall health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, 99% of people are exposed to air pollution levels that exceed the guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021.

1. Air pollution is a major environmental threat and ranks just below hypertension, tobacco smoking, and high glucose as one of the leading causes of death globally.
2. WHO estimates that air pollution is responsible for approximately 7 million premature deaths each year from various diseases such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections like pneumonia.
3. Air pollution also affects children in low- and middle-income countries, leading to preterm birth, low birth weight, asthma, and cognitive and neurological impairments.

Air pollution not only poses a threat to public health but also has significant economic costs. It represents 6.1% of the global gross domestic product, amounting to more than US$ 8 trillion in 2019.

Training Health Workers for Clean Air

Recognizing the need for health professionals to address air pollution, the international community has called for their active involvement in the battle for clean air. The World Health Assembly resolutions WHA68.8,9 and A69/18 have requested WHO to strengthen the capacity of the health sector to address the adverse health effects of air pollution.

In response, the World Health Organization has collaborated with over 30 international experts to develop the first WHO Air Pollution and Health Training (APHT) toolkit. This toolkit, set to be unveiled at the end of 2023, will provide downloadable and interactive resources to train health care workers.

To prepare for the toolkit launch, a freely accessible OpenWHO online training will be released on the UN International Day for Clean Air and Blue Sky on September 7, 2023.

Pilot Workshop in Ghana

During a one-week pilot workshop in Kumasi, Ghana, health professionals had the opportunity to participate in training sessions using the APHT toolkit. The workshop, led by WHO in collaboration with Ghana Health Service, Global Family Doctors (WONCA), and the University of Ghana, aimed to equip health professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become trainers themselves.

The workshop covered introductory modules on air pollution and health, as well as specific modules addressing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and the health effects of air pollution on newborns, children, and pregnant women. The participants also visited hot spot air pollution sites to gain practical experience.

This pilot workshop allowed health professionals to enhance their clinical approach to air pollution and improve their ability to assess patients’ health status considering environmental risk factors. It also provided valuable feedback for future adaptation and implementation of the APHT toolkit.

Clean Air Interventions as a Win-Win Opportunity

Reducing air pollution emissions presents a “win-win” opportunity to protect human health, the environment, and mitigate climate change. The combustion of fossil fuels contributes to increased levels of air pollutants, making interventions in sectors like household energy, transportation, power generation, industry, agriculture, and housing crucial.

Building the capacity of the health sector on air pollution and health is essential to reduce the burden of disease. Health workers can play a central role in advocating for clean air interventions and engaging in multi-sectoral action. Their guidance to individuals, patients, and communities can contribute to reducing exposure to air pollution.

While health care workers cannot reduce air pollution emissions alone, their position as trusted professionals on the front line of prevention and care gives them a strong basis for providing guidance. Primary prevention and addressing the root causes of ill-health should remain a priority and be strengthened through policy-making in various sectors.

WHO’s leadership is crucial in promoting the integration of air pollution into health professional education and advocating for clean air interventions. Together, we can protect both people’s health and the planet.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities (population-weighted).

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

Explanation:

1. The article addresses SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being as it discusses the detrimental effects of air pollution on public health. The target identified is Target 3.9, which aims to reduce deaths and illnesses from air pollution. The indicator mentioned is Indicator 3.9.1, which measures the mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.

2. The article also connects to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities as it highlights the importance of addressing air quality in cities. The target identified is Target 11.6, which focuses on reducing the environmental impact of cities, including air quality. The indicator mentioned is Indicator 11.6.2, which measures the annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in cities.

3. Additionally, the article relates to SDG 13: Climate Action as it emphasizes the need to integrate climate change measures into national policies and planning. The target identified is Target 13.2, which calls for the integration of climate change measures into national policies. The indicator mentioned is Indicator 13.2.1, which measures the number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into national policies.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: who.int

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