WHO launches groundbreaking air pollution training for health workers on International Day of Clean Air
WHO launches groundbreaking air pollution training for health ... World Health Organization
sdgtalks
Most health professionals’ training curricula do not sufficiently address the health impacts of air pollution.
• Only 11% of medical schools worldwide include air pollution as a risk factor for health as part of formal education, according to a report from the International Association of Medical Students’ Associations.
• Existing training programs lack emphasis on the most susceptible population groups.
• The first WHO online course on air pollution and health for health workers will be launched at the margins of this year’s International Day of Clean Air for blue skies.
• Health workers have an important role to play in the battle for clean air.
A groundbreaking health workers’ training
In a landmark collaboration with over 30 international experts, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed the first Air Pollution and Health Training toolkit (APHT), specifically tailored for health workers to be unveiled at the end of 2023. The toolkit includes downloadable training modules accompanied by a manual using a train-the-trainers approach to inform and empower health care professionals. In anticipation of the toolkit’s launch, an instrumental step is being taken to equip health care professionals for the challenges ahead by launching the user-friendly OpenWHO online training program, to coincide with this year’s International Day for Clean Air for blue skies. This strategic move reflects a commitment to addressing air pollution concerns and fostering healthier conditions for all.
“Health workers are on the front lines of patient care,” said Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, WHO. “Empowering health care providers to identify instances where air pollution impacts well-being and communities is paramount to public and global health. This training toolkit provides resources to communicate risks and to champion for clean air and healthier populations.”
Air pollution and the role of health workers
Air pollution is a significant global health challenge, with far-reaching consequences on both individual well-being and public health. WHO estimates that, globally, air pollution is responsible for about 7 million premature deaths per year from ischemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections such as pneumonia, mainly affecting children in low- and middle-income countries.
Air pollution also threatens the global economy as it imposes enormous health costs, representing 6.1% of the global gross domestic product (more than US$ 8 trillion in 2019).
The international community has recognized that health workers have a prominent role to play in the battle for clean air. Despite this recognition, a critical gap persists – many health curricula inadequately address the profound health consequences of air pollution. By enhancing the capacity of health professionals to tackle this issue, WHO envisions a healthier and cleaner future for communities worldwide, with particular attention to the most vulnerable populations.
Air Pollution and Health Training toolkit (APHT)
The APHT is designed for health workers, in both the clinical and public health fields, to understand the health risks of air pollution and identify risk reduction measures. It equips health workers to use the health argument to advocate for clean air interventions and promote the collaboration between relevant civil society actors and governmental institutions for policy implementation. Using a train-the-trainer approach, the APHT also helps facilitate the organization of in-person workshops, online courses and other learning opportunities.
The toll of illnesses stemming from air pollution exposure places a direct strain on health systems. The health sector therefore has a significant interest in improving air quality. Tools provided by WHO, such as this training program, can empower local health workers in their own communities to advocate for policy reforms while counselling patients and individuals on how to reduce their exposure.
The first part of the toolkit is an OpenWHO online course, which aims to provide health workers with knowledge to understand the risks of air pollution and to communicate to individuals and communities how to reduce their exposure. This course is made up of 4 modules: outdoor (ambient) air pollution, household air pollution, the main health effects of air pollution exposure, and what health workers can do.
The primary target audience of the free accessible online course, is health professionals worldwide. This includes medical practitioners, doctors, nurses, midwives, community health workers, medical students and future health care professionals, public health professionals, officials within health ministries and policymakers working at both national and subnational levels.
2023 International Day of Clean Air for blue skies
The launch of this groundbreaking toolkit coincides with the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, an occasion dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of clean air for a sustainable future. This year’s theme, “Together for Clean Air,” resonates with WHO’s mission to safeguard human health and the environment while promoting multisectoral action.
The OpenWHO course launch during a webinar session features experts in air quality, health and health education. The event will showcase key initiatives to raise awareness and equip health professionals to tackle air pollution and protect public health. It will also offer a glimpse into the forthcoming APHT targeting health workers.
This event is part of the
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | – Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution – Percentage of medical schools worldwide that include air pollution as a risk factor for health in their curriculum |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 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 | – Percentage of cities with air quality that meets WHO guidelines – Percentage of cities with effective waste management systems |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Existence of national policies or strategies that address air pollution and its health impacts |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the health impacts of air pollution and the need for health professionals to be trained on this issue. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article mentions the adverse impact of air pollution on cities and the importance of paying attention to air quality. This relates to SDG 11, which focuses on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article emphasizes the need to address air pollution as part of climate change measures. This connects to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination
The article highlights the health impacts of air pollution and the need to reduce deaths and illnesses caused by it. This aligns with Target 3.9 under SDG 3.
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
The article emphasizes the importance of addressing air quality in cities to reduce its adverse impact. This relates to Target 11.6 under SDG 11.
Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The article calls for the integration of air pollution measures into national policies and strategies. This corresponds to Target 13.2 under SDG 13.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 3.9 under SDG 3.
- Percentage of medical schools worldwide that include air pollution as a risk factor for health in their curriculum: This indicator can also measure progress towards Target 3.9 under SDG 3.
- Percentage of cities with air quality that meets WHO guidelines: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 11.6 under SDG 11.
- Percentage of cities with effective waste management systems: This indicator can also measure progress towards Target 11.6 under SDG 11.
- Existence of national policies or strategies that address air pollution and its health impacts: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 13.2 under SDG 13.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | – Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution – Percentage of medical schools worldwide that include air pollution as a risk factor for health in their curriculum |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 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 | – Percentage of cities with air quality that meets WHO guidelines – Percentage of cities with effective waste management systems |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Existence of national policies or strategies that address air pollution and its health impacts |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: who.int
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
