Air pollution exposure causes more than seven million deaths globally each year, roughly twice as many people as HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.
Improving indoor and outdoor air quality will not only benefit public health by decreasing the noxious particulate matter in the air we breathe, but will also help mitigate climate change by decreasing the greenhouse gas effects of pollutants in our atmosphere. Tackling air pollution is a must, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where rapid urbanization creates a perfect storm of increasing population, greater energy demands, traffic congestion and the expansion of industrial zones.
FHI 360 has a long-standing track record of success in improving public health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries, prioritizing epidemics, infectious diseases, maternal and child health, and noncommunicable diseases. As we continue to prioritize addressing diseases and mental health, we are adapting proven strategies to target air pollution in alignment with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) policies. Toward our vision of a healthier world for all, our work aspires to:
- Assist countries wishing to adopt WHO’s air quality guidelines.
- Mobilize communities to monitor air quality.
- Provide expertise on data analysis to identify sources of air pollution.
- Advocate for change among key stakeholders and influencers in the health sector and the government.
