The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that over 47 million health professionals, patients, and advocates have endorsed a global appeal urging immediate action to combat air pollution.
This initiative aims to protect public health by tackling the severe effects of air pollution, which is responsible for approximately seven million deaths annually due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
In a statement released on Monday, the WHO stressed that addressing air pollution is crucial for safeguarding human health. The organisation, alongside other international health bodies, intends to present this urgent appeal at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, which is set to take place in Cartagena, Colombia, in March 2025.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus underscored the necessity for decisive, science-based measures to curb emissions, enforce stricter air quality regulations, and transition to cleaner energy sources.
“The conference will bring together political leaders, civil society groups, and experts to advance a global clean air agenda, with a strong focus on mitigating the impact of air pollution-related noncommunicable diseases, including heart disease and lung cancer,” the WHO stated.
The WHO has also advocated for stricter air quality standards, particularly in low-income communities, to counter the devastating effects of household air pollution.