Radical Transformation of Global Food System Urgently Needed To Meet Sustainable Development Goals

Did you know?

One-third of the world’s croplands are used to grow feed for cows, rather than fruits, nuts, vegetables and whole grains which are needed for a healthy human diet.

More than half of the world’s population suffers from some form of malnutrition.
Two billion people have insufficient access to nutrients while another two billion suffer from diseases related to over-consumption and obesity.

Diet-related diseases including diabetes, cancer and heart diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide ­– more than tobacco and drugs combined.

Food choices today, impact health of both ‘people and planet’ tomorrow
SDGs

The food we eat has huge potential to improve both human health and environmental sustainability, but too often today it is posing a threat to both people and planet, according to a new report by the EAT-Lancet Commission, launched on Tuesday at United Nations Headquarters in New York.


Co-organized by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Permanent Mission of Norway, the head of the agency’s New York office, Satya Tripathi, noted that it was his home country of India, which had originated the aphorism that “you are what you eat”.

“And it not just about food, it’s about process, it’s about what it results in”, he continued, saying that this “age-old wisdom” has been “scientifically articulated in a very powerful manner” in the report, which pins down “the science, the numbers and the analytics of what you need to do to be healthy”.

The report argues that there is an immense challenge facing humanity to “provide a growing world population with healthy diets from sustainable food systems”, noting that while calorie production has kept pace with population growth, more than 820 million people either lack sufficient food, consume low quality diets or simply eat too much.

“A radical transformation of the global food system is urgently needed”, the report stressed, without which the world not only risks failing to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2015 Paris Agreement, but leaves today’s children dealing with environmental degredation and a population increasingly suffering from malnutrition and preventable disease.

Gunhild A. Stordalen, Founder and Executive Chair of the EAT Foundation, told the launch event that while food poses intrinsic challenges in nearly every part of the Sustainable Development Agenda leading up to 2030, it also has “super powers”.


“The power of food is all about connections” she stated, “the links between people and planet are everywhere, but nowhere are these connections more obvious or the synergies more numerous than on our plates and across the food system”.

Flagging that a healthy food supply will be a defining issue of the 21st Century, the report provides a scientific blue print for a healthy and sustainable future, spelling out that “if we change the way we produce, consume, transport and waste food we can feed everyone a healthy diet and improve the health of the planet”.

United States-based actor and activist Alec Baldwin, warned that humankind was “causing global climate change, which, if we do not act, will be our undoing”.

He urged everyone to look at “the mutually achievable goals” of food and environmental security, saying that we need to alter agricultural priorities to make better use of the land we already have and drastically reduce meat production.

“If we shift to plant-rich diets, we can help save the planet”, Mr. Baldwin asserted. Transforming the food system can also lower risks of cancer, strokes and diabetes and avoid 11 million adult deaths per year, the meeting heard.

To move to a healthy diet, the reports suggests that the world doubles its consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts while reducing at least by half, red meat and food with added sugar.

“The greatest challenge we face is influencing human behavior, you cannot outlaw the consumption of meat…We can only shine a light” on cause and effect, concluded Mr. Baldwin.

EAT is a global non-profit established with partners to catalyze a food system transformation. The Special Event in its entirety can be found here.

February 4 is World Cancer Day -World Health Organization

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made a global call for action towards the elimination of cervical cancer. This is in line with the targets of WHO’s General Programme of Work: 1 billion more people benefiting from universal health coverage; 1 billion more people better protected from health emergencies; and 1 billion more people enjoying better health and well-being.

We have the tools to achieve global elimination of cervical cancer. We also have the political commitment. Several countries and UN agencies have already joined forces under the UN Joint Global Programme on Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control.

The world is doing something, but to succeed, we need everyone on board. From governments and UN agencies to researchers, healthcare professionals and individuals, we all have a role to play. As the manufacturers of life-saving vaccines, diagnostics and treatments, the private sector is also a key partner in this mission.

Every minute, one woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer. Each year, more than 300 000 women die of cervical cancer.

If we do not act, deaths from cervical cancer will rise by almost 50% by 2040.


Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and curable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. We must ensure that all girls are vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) and that every woman over 30 is screened and treated for pre-cancerous lesions.


The problem

Each year, more than 300 000 women die of cervical cancer. More than half a million women are diagnosed. Every minute, one woman is diagnosed. Cervical cancer is one of the greatest threats to women's health. Each death is a tragedy, and we can prevent it. Most of these women are not diagnosed early enough, and lack access to life-saving treatment. Studies have shown that prevention and early treatment of cervical cancer are also highly cost-effective.

Nine in 10 women who die from cervical cancer are in poor countries. This means some of the most vulnerable women in our world are dying unnecessarily. This is not fair or just. Rising cervical cancer deaths is undermining health gains for women made in maternal health and HIV care. Current disparity in survival from cervical cancer, which varies between 33-77%, is unacceptable and can be minimized.






It doesn't have to be this way

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and curable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. We can reduce new diagnoses in two ways, HPV vaccination and screening of the cervix with follow on treatment of early changes before cancer appears.

Currently, most women diagnosed with cervical cancer are diagnosed with advanced cancers, where opportunity for cure is small. This compounded by lack of access to life-saving treatment in settings where the burden and need is highest.


Now is the time for global elimination of cervical cancer.



Our challenge

We must accelerate progress. We must ensure that all girls globally are vaccinated against HPV and that every woman over 30 is screened and treated for pre-cancerous lesions. To achieve that, we need innovative technologies and strategies. We must improve access to diagnosis and treatment of invasive cancers at their earliest stages and ensure that availability of palliative care for women who need it.

All of these services must be embedded in strong health systems aimed at delivering universal health coverage. High-income countries have shown the way. Now is the time for global elimination.






Urgent action is needed

Urgent action is needed to scale up implementation of proven cost-effective measures towards the elimination of cervical cancer as a global public health problem. These actions include vaccination against human papillomavirus, screening and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions, early detection and prompt treatment of early invasive cancers and palliative care. This will require political commitment and greater international cooperation and support for equitable access, including strategies for resource mobilization.


"Elimination of cervical cancer as a global health problem is within reach for all countries.
We know what works, and we now need to scale up our actions to prevent and control this disease."

- Dr Princess Nono Simelela, Assistant Director-General for Family, Women's and Children's Health, WHO


Cervical cancer information for women and girls

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in a woman's cervix (the entrance to the uterus from the vagina).

Its primary cause is the infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV).

Cervical cancer is caused by sexually acquired infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Although most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can cause cervical cancer in women. Virtually all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to genital infection with HPV and it is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract. HPV can also cause other types of anogenital cancer, head and neck cancers, and genital warts in both men and women. HPV infections are transmitted through sexual contact.

The HPV vaccine and the screening and treatment of precancerous lesions can prevent cervical cancer.


Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer?

If left untreated, precancerous lesions may progress to cervical cancer, but this progression usually takes 10-20 years.

Symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer may include:
irregular bleeding (e.g., between periods or after sexual intercourse);
postmenopausal spotting or bleeding;
increased vaginal discharge, sometimes foul-smelling;
More severe symptoms may arise at advanced stages.

Abnormal bleeding doesn't mean you have cervical cancer, but you should see your doctor as soon as possible to get it checked.


Human papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination

There are currently vaccines that protect against common cancer-causing types of human papilloma virus and can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer.


The vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV) is effective and safe. It protects against infection from HPV, which causes cervical cancer.

Immunizing against HPV 16 and 18 can prevent most cervical cancer cases. It works, and it saves lives. WHO recommends vaccination for girls aged 9-13 years as this is the most cost-effective public health measure against cervical cancer.

HPV vaccination does not replace cervical cancer screening (previously known as a “smear test”).

In countries where HPV vaccine is introduced, screening programmes for women at age 30-49 years may still need to be developed or strengthened.

Check out these Questions and Answers and informative videos about the HPV vaccination and how safe it is..


Screening and treatment of precancerous lesions

All adult women should undergo periodic cervical cancer screening to detect lesions in the cervix that, if left untreated, can develop into cervical cancer.

Screening aims to detect precancerous changes, which, if not treated, may lead to cancer.

Cervical screening is a method of detecting high-risk human papillomavirus infection. The cervix is the entrance to the uterus from the vagina. During some screenings, a small sample of cells is taken from the cervix and checked under a microscope for abnormalities.

An abnormal cervical screening test result does not mean you have cancer. Most abnormal results are due to signs of HPV, the presence of treatable precancerous cells, or both, rather than cancer itself.


Detecting and removing precancerous lesions can prevent cervical cancer.

Women who are found to have abnormalities on screening need follow-up, diagnosis and treatment, to prevent the development of cancer or to treat cancer at an early stage.

Contact your doctor to arrange a cervical screening.


Treatment | Management of invasive cervical cancer

Cervical cancers detected in early stages have a high potential to be cured. Cancers diagnosed in late stages can also be controlled with appropriate treatment and palliative care.

If cervical cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, surgery and/or radiotherapy are the primary treatment options.

More advanced cases of cervical cancer are usually treated using a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

For metastatic cancer, palliative care should be provided as well as psychological support.

Read more about WHO’s work on Cancer Control.

Ms.Universe 2018 Catriona Gray is Real Beauty w/ a Purpose: "We're In This Together"

MANILA, Philippines — Catriona's single for Young Focus Philippines titled "We're in This Together" entered Spotify's "Viral 50 Philippines" list of most viral tracks in the country.

As of Thursday afternoon, Catriona's song is second only to Ariana Grande's "Thank U, Next." Other songs in the list are Juan Karlos Labajo's "Buwan," Lavaado's "Switch It Up" and King of Little Sweden's "I'll be Waiting."

The beauty queen's debut single was released last November 23 on digital platforms in partnership woth Young Focus International. All proceeds of the track will go to the non-profit organization

https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2018/12/20/1878605/catriona-grays-debut-single-enters-spotify-viral-50-philippines-list



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Global coalition calls for better care and stronger legislation to save babies on the brink of death. Nearly 30 million sick and premature newborns in dire need of treatment every year -WHO

Nearly 30 million babies are born too soon, too small or become sick every year and need specialized care to survive, according to a new report by a global coalition that includes UNICEF and WHO.

“When it comes to babies and their mothers, the right care at the right time in the right place can make all the difference,” said Omar Abdi, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director. “Yet millions of small and sick babies and women are dying every year because they simply do not receive the quality care that is their right and our collective responsibility.”

The report, Survive and Thrive: Transforming care for every small and sick newborn, finds that among the newborn babies most at risk of death and disability are those with complications from prematurity, brain injury during childbirth, severe bacterial infection or jaundice, and those with congenital conditions. Additionally, the financial and psychological toll on their families can have detrimental effects on their cognitive, linguistic and emotional development.

“For every mother and baby, a healthy start from pregnancy through childbirth and the first months after birth is essential,” said Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Deputy Director General for Programmes at WHO. “Universal health coverage can ensure that everyone – including newborns – has access to the health services they need, without facing financial hardship. Progress on newborn health care is a win-win situation – it saves lives and is critical for early child development thus impacting on families, society, and future generations.”

Without specialized treatment, many at-risk newborns won’t survive their first month of life, according to the report. In 2017, some 2.5 million newborns died, mostly from preventable causes. Almost two-thirds of babies who die were born premature. And even if they survive, these babies face chronic diseases or developmental delays. In addition, an estimated 1 million small and sick newborns survive with a long-term disability.

With nurturing care, these babies can live without major complications. The report shows that by 2030, in 81 countries, the lives of 2.9 million women, stillborns and newborns can be saved with smarter strategies. For example, if the same health team cares for both mother and baby through labour, birth and beyond, they can identify problems early on.

In addition, almost 68 per cent of newborn deaths could be averted by 2030 with simple fixes such as exclusive breastfeeding; skin-to-skin contact between the mother or father and the baby; medicines and essential equipment; and access to clean, well-equipped health facilities staffed by skilled health workers. Other measures like resuscitating a baby who cannot breathe properly, giving the mother an injection to prevent bleeding, or delaying the cutting of the umbilical cord could also save millions.

According to the report, the world will not achieve the global target to achieve health for all unless it transforms care for every newborn. Without rapid progress, some countries will not meet this target for another 11 decades. To save newborns, the report recommends:

· Providing round-the-clock inpatient care for newborns seven days a week.

· Training nurses to provide hands-on care working in partnership with families.

· Harnessing the power of parents and families by teaching them how to become expert caregivers and care for their babies, which can reduce stress, help babies gain weight and allow their brains to develop properly.

· Providing good quality of care should be a part of country policies, and a lifelong investment for those who are born small or sick.

· Counting and tracking every small and sick newborn allows managers to monitor progress and improve results.

· Allocating the necessary resources, as an additional investment of US$ 0.20 cents per person can save 2 of every 3 newborns in low- and middle-income countries by 2030.

Almost three decades ago, the Convention on the Rights of the Child guaranteed every newborn the right to the highest standard of health care, and it is time for countries around the world to make sure the legislative, medical, human and financial resources are in place to turn that right into a reality for every child, the report says.

Note to editors

On 13 December, key findings of the report was launched at the Partners’ Forum of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) in New Delhi, hosted by the Government of India, where 130 countries decided on better policies for newborns.

The report was produced by a coalition of organizations that support countries to implement the Every Newborn Action Plan. These organizations include, among others, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, USAID, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Save the Children, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, International Pediatrics Association (IPA), Council of International Neonatal Nurses (COINN), the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants, Preterm Birth Initiative, Sick Kids Centre for Global Health, Every Preemie at Scale and Little Octopus.












13 December 2018

News Release



NEW DELHI/ GENEVA /NEW YORK

https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/13-12-2018-nearly-30-million-sick-and-premature-newborns-in-dire-need-of-treatment-every-year

Health benefits far outweigh the costs of meeting climate change goals -WHO

Meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement could save about a million lives a year worldwide by 2050 through reductions in air pollution alone. The latest estimates from leading experts also indicate that the value of health gains from climate action would be approximately double the cost of mitigation policies at global level, and the benefit-to-cost ratio is even higher in countries such as China and India.

A WHO report launched today at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP24) in Katowice, Poland highlights why health considerations are critical to the advancement of climate action and outlines key recommendations for policy makers.

Exposure to air pollution causes 7 million deaths worldwide every year and costs an estimated US$ 5.11 trillion in welfare losses globally. In the 15 countries that emit the most greenhouse gas emissions, the health impacts of air pollution are estimated to cost more than 4% of their GDP. Actions to meet the Paris goals would cost around 1% of global GDP.

“The Paris Agreement is potentially the strongest health agreement of this century,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. “The evidence is clear that climate change is already having a serious impact on human lives and health. It threatens the basic elements we all need for good health - clean air, safe drinking water, nutritious food supply and safe shelter - and will undermine decades of progress in global health. We can’t afford to delay action any further.”

The same human activities that are destabilizing the Earth’s climate also contribute directly to poor health. The main driver of climate change is fossil fuel combustion which is also a major contributor to air pollution.

“The true cost of climate change is felt in our hospitals and in our lungs. The health burden of polluting energy sources is now so high, that moving to cleaner and more sustainable choices for energy supply, transport and food systems effectively pays for itself,” says Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health. “When health is taken into account, climate change mitigation is an opportunity, not a cost.”

Switching to low-carbon energy sources will not only improve air quality but provide additional opportunities for immediate health benefits. For example, introducing active transport options such as cycling will help increase physical activity that can help prevent diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

WHO’s COP-24 Special Report: health and climate change provides recommendations for governments on how to maximize the health benefits of tackling climate change and avoid the worst health impacts of this global challenge.

It describes how countries around the world are now taking action to protect lives from the impacts of climate change – but that the scale of support remains woefully inadequate, particularly for the small island developing states, and least developed countries. Only approximately 0.5% of multilateral climate funds dispersed for climate change adaptation have been allocated to health projects.

Pacific Island countries contribute 0.03% of greenhouse gas emissions, but they are among the most profoundly affected by its impacts. For the Pacific Island countries, urgent action to address climate change — including the outcome of COP24 this week — is crucial to the health of their people and their very existence.

“We now have a clear understanding of what needs to be done to protect health from climate change – from more resilient and sustainable healthcare facilities, to improved warning systems for extreme weather and infectious disease outbreaks. But the lack of investment is leaving the most vulnerable behind,” said Dr Joy St John, Assistant Director-General for Climate and Other Determinants of Health.

The report calls for countries to account for health in all cost-benefit analyses of climate change mitigation. It also recommends that countries use fiscal incentives such as carbon pricing and energy subsidies to incentivize sectors to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants. It further encourages Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to remove existing barriers to supporting climate-resilient health systems.

WHO is working with countries to:
Assess the health gains that would result from the implementation of the existing Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement, and the potential for larger gains from the more ambitious action required to meet the goals of limiting global warming to 2oC or 1.5oC.
Ensure climate-resilient health systems, especially in the most vulnerable countries such as small island developing states (SIDS); and to promote climate change mitigation actions that maximize immediate and long-term health benefits, under a special initiative on climate change and health in SIDS, launched in partnership with the UNFCCC Secretariat and the Fijian Presidency of COP-23 and operationalized by the Pacific Islands Action Plan on Climate Change and Health.
Track national progress in protecting health from climate change and gaining the health co-benefits of climate change mitigation measures, through the WHO/UNFCCC Climate and Health country profiles, currently covering 45 countries, with 90 due for completion by the end of 2019.
WHO’s COP24 Special Report: health and climate change
Recommendations

Parties to the UNFCCC could advance climate, health and development objectives by:
Identifying and promoting actions that both cut carbon emissions and reduce air pollution, and by including specific commitments to cut emissions of Short Climate Pollutants in their National Determined Contributions.
Ensuring that the commitments to assess and safeguard health in the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement are reflected in the operational mechanisms at national and global levels.
Removing barriers to investment in health adaptation to climate change, with a focus on climate resilient health systems, and climate smart healthcare facilities.
Engagement with the health community, civil society and health professionals, to help them to mobilize collectively to promote climate action and health co-benefits.
Promoting the role of cities and sub-national governments in climate action benefiting health, within the UNFCCC framework.
Formal monitoring and reporting of the health progress resulting from climate actions to the global climate and health governance processes, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Inclusion of the health implications of mitigation and adaptation measures in economic and fiscal policy.

https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/05-12-2018-health-benefits-far-outweigh-the-costs-of-meeting-climate-change-goals

Measles cases spike globally due to gaps in vaccination coverage - WHO News Release 29 Nov 2018 Geneva

"Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease. It can cause debilitating or fatal complications, including encephalitis (an infection that leads to swelling of the brain), severe diarrhoea and dehydration, pneumonia, ear infections and permanent vision loss. Babies and young children with malnutrition and weak immune systems are particularly vulnerable to complications and death." - WHO

29 November 2018 

News Release 

Geneva/Atlanta/New York

Reported measles cases spiked in 2017, as multiple countries experienced severe and protracted outbreaks of the disease. This is according to a new report published today by leading health organizations.






Because of gaps in vaccination coverage, measles outbreaks occurred in all regions, while there were an estimated 110 000 deaths related to the disease.


Using updated disease modelling data, the report provides the most comprehensive estimates of measles trends over the last 17 years. It shows that since 2000, over 21 million lives have been saved through measles immunizations. However, reported cases increased by more than 30 percent worldwide from 2016.





The Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean Region, and Europe experienced the greatest upsurges in cases in 2017, with the Western Pacific the only World Health Organization (WHO) region where measles incidence fell.





“The resurgence of measles is of serious concern, with extended outbreaks occurring across regions, and particularly in countries that had achieved, or were close to achieving measles elimination,” said Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Deputy Director General for Programmes at WHO. “Without urgent efforts to increase vaccination coverage and identify populations with unacceptable levels of under-, or unimmunized children, we risk losing decades of progress in protecting children and communities against this devastating, but entirely preventable disease.”





Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease. It can cause debilitating or fatal complications, including encephalitis (an infection that leads to swelling of the brain), severe diarrhoea and dehydration, pneumonia, ear infections and permanent vision loss. Babies and young children with malnutrition and weak immune systems are particularly vulnerable to complications and death.




The disease is preventable through two doses of a safe and effective vaccine. For several years, however, global coverage with the first dose of measles vaccine has stalled at 85 percent. This is far short of the 95 percent needed to prevent outbreaks, and leaves many people, in many communities, susceptible to the disease. Second dose coverage stands at 67 percent.





“The increase in measles cases is deeply concerning, but not surprising,” said Dr Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “Complacency about the disease and the spread of falsehoods about the vaccine in Europe, a collapsing health system in Venezuela and pockets of fragility and low immunization coverage in Africa are combining to bring about a global resurgence of measles after years of progress. Existing strategies need to change: more effort needs to go into increasing routine immunization coverage and strengthening health systems. Otherwise we will continue chasing one outbreak after another.”





Responding to the recent outbreaks, health agencies are calling for sustained investment in immunization systems, alongside efforts to strengthen routine vaccination services. These efforts must focus especially on reaching the poorest, most marginalized communities, including people affected by conflict and displacement.





The agencies also call for actions to build broad-based public support for immunizations, while tackling misinformation and hesitancy around vaccines where these exist.





“Sustained investments are needed to strengthen immunization service delivery and to use every opportunity for delivering vaccines to those who need them,” said Dr Robert Linkins, Branch Chief of Accelerated Disease Control and Vaccine Preventable Disease Surveillance at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Measles & Rubella Initiative Management Team Chair.





The Measles and Rubella Initiative is a partnership formed in 2001 of the American Red Cross, CDC, the United Nations Foundation, UNICEF, and WHO.

Notes

‘Progress Toward Regional Measles Elimination — Worldwide, 2000–2017’ is a joint publication of WHO and CDC. It is published within the WHO Weekly Epidemiological Record and in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.


Launched in 2001, the Measles & Rubella Initiative (M&RI) is led by the American Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation, CDC, UNICEF and WHO. M&RI is committed to ensuring that no child dies from measles or is born with congenital rubella syndrome, and achieving the Global Vaccine Action Plan goal of measles and rubella elimination in at least five WHO regions by 2020.





Measles elimination is defined as the absence of endemic measles virus transmission in a region or other defined geographical area for more than 12 months. Conversely, a country is no longer considered to be measles free if the virus returns and transmission is sustained continuously for more than a year.

Further information


The report is available in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report as of November 29 2018 and in WHO’s Weekly Epidemiological Record from November 30 2018.


Further information on immunization progress is also contained within the 2018 Assessment Report of The Global Vaccine Action Plan by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization, published in November 2018.

Air pollution and child health: prescribing clean air- WHO Report

Overview

This report summarizes the latest scientific knowledge on the links between exposure to air pollution and adverse health effects in children. It is intended to inform and motivate individual and collective action by health care professionals to prevent damage to children’s health from exposure to air pollution. Air pollution is a major environmental health threat. Exposure to fine particles in both the ambient environment and in the household causes about seven million premature deaths each year. Ambient air pollution (AAP) alone imposes enormous costs on the global economy, amounting to more than US$ 5 trillion in total welfare losses in 2013.



The evidence is clear: air pollution has a devastating impact on children’s health.

says the report

This public health crisis is receiving more attention, but one critical aspect is often overlooked: how air pollution affects children in uniquely damaging ways. Recent data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) show that air pollution has a vast and terrible impact on child health and survival. Globally, 93% of all children live in environments with air pollution levels above the WHO guidelines. More than one in every four deaths of children under 5 years is directly or indirectly related to environmental risks. Both AAP and household air pollution (HAP) contribute to respiratory tract infections that resulted in 543 000 deaths in children under 5 years in 2016.

Although air pollution is a global problem, the burden of disease attributable to particulate matter in air is heaviest in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in the WHO African, South-East Asia, Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific regions. LMICs in these regions – especially the African Region – have the highest levels of exposure to HAP due to the widespread use of polluting fuels and technologies for basic daily needs, such as cooking, heating and lighting (6). Poverty is correlated with high exposure to environmental health risks. Poverty can also compound the damaging health effects of air pollution, by limiting access to information, treatment and other health care resources.



Children are uniquely vulnerable to the damaging health effects of air pollution.

says the report

Children are society’s future. But they are also its most vulnerable members. The immense threat posed to their health by air pollution demands that health professionals respond with focused, urgent action. Although more rigorous research into how air pollution affects children’s health will continue to be valuable, there is already ample evidence to justify strong, swift action to prevent the damage it clearly produces. Health professionals must come together to address this threat as a priority, through collective, coordinated efforts. For the millions of children exposed to polluted air every day, there is little time to waste and so much to be gained.

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Source: 

http://www.who.int/ceh/publications/air-pollution-child-health/en/
Air pollution and child health: prescribing clean air
WHO reference number: WHO/CED/PHE/18.01
Publication date: 2018
Languages: English.
Summary: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish