Nearly all of the African continent is facing the world’s most severe health impacts caused by air pollution, with some countries having the highest in the world, according to a new report released by a US-based research institute. A level of air pollution is occurring. Health Effects Institute (HEI). new report, Current state of air quality and health impacts in Africaprovides a comprehensive analysis of the major sources of air pollution and associated health impacts on a continent of over 1.2 billion people.

Released just ahead of the UN’s upcoming COP27 climate change conference in Egypt, the report shows that air pollution is the second leading risk factor for death across the continent. Africa is a country where outdoor particulate matter (PM_2.5). Outdoor PM_2.5 It is the most consistent predictor of mortality from cardiovascular, respiratory, and other diseases in studies of long-term exposure to air pollution. In 2019, air pollution caused an estimated 1.1 million deaths in Africa, 63% of which were associated with exposure to household air pollution (HAP).

Effects of Air Pollution on Children

Access to clean energy is not equitably distributed across Africa, resulting in a high disease burden in certain regions. In East, West, Central and Southern Africa, an estimated 75% of the population relies on burning solid fuels such as coal, wood and charcoal for cooking, and residents consume high concentrations of toxic chemicals in their homes every day. exposed to harmful contaminants. Newborns and their children under the age of five in these areas are at particularly high risk of household air pollution associated with the use of solid fuels for cooking. In 2019, her 14% of all deaths among her children under the age of five across Africa were linked to air pollution. Effects on newborns and infants also have long-term effects on overall health, such as problems with lung development and increased susceptibility to communicable diseases such as lower respiratory tract infections in young children.

Caradee Wright, Chief Specialist Scientist at the South African Medical Research Council, said: For example, special attention is needed to reduce exposure through policies with practical solutions for mothers and caregivers and intensive awareness-raising campaigns. ”

Continental Air Pollution Sources

In Africa, PM_2.5 Same as elsewhere in the world, including use of solid fuels for cooking, use of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) for energy production, industrial and semi-industrial activities such as vehicles, artisanal mining, and agriculture It comes from many sources. Forest fires, and open waste fire pits. In parts of Africa, windblown dust, a natural source of air pollution, is also a major contributor to PM._2.5 level.

Air pollution sources and associated health effects can vary widely across continents.By region, West Africa experiences the highest PM_2.5 Pollution with an average concentration of 64.1 μg/m3³South Africa has the lowest at 26.5 μg/m³. In South Africa, fossil fuel use accounts for 41% of total outdoor PM._2.5 In terms of levels, in East Africa the contribution is only 11%.

Targeted Action Begins: We Need More

Despite high levels of air pollution, countries across Africa have implemented a wide range of programs to reduce the impact of air pollution. So far, 17 African countries have established several national air quality policies, many of which, as part of their National Determining Contributions (NDCs), take action against air pollution sources, especially household air pollution. contains In 2019, Africa had the lowest energy access rates in the world, with less than 1 in 20 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Niger, Uganda and Tanzania having access to clean fuel. cooking. At the same time, the lack of ground-level air quality monitoring stations prevents countries from accurately tracking their progress in meeting air quality targets and standards.

Dr Patrick de Marie Catoto, Catholic University of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, said: “Air pollution is a major contributor to the increased frequency of chronic non-communicable diseases in Africa, already being stretched by chronic infectious diseases. These findings encourage the African Union and Member States to implement air quality interventions across the continent to prevent unnecessary disability and death. We seek to promote, plan and fund

Key Relationships Between Air Pollution and Climate

When the world’s nations convene in Egypt next month for the COP27 climate conference, Africa will look at how an efficient, economically viable, sustainable and environmentally friendly energy transition can be designed. Consider. Energy, climate, air quality and health. African Union countries have also adopted Agenda 2063. This is a continent-wide program that develops a strategic framework designed to achieve the goal of inclusive and sustainable development for all inhabitants by 2063. Addressing these challenges head-on brings the double benefits of improved public health and reduced greenhouse gas emissions across Africa.

This report was released in conjunction with a new report from the Clean Air Fund. Action on air pollution could free up billions of dollars, prevent thousands of deaths and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20% by 2040, says the report We are investigating.