In conjunction with the 72nd World Health Assembly taking place this week in Geneva, Switzerland, the NCD Alliance launched a new policy brief on the impact of air pollution on human health in partnership with the Forum of International Respiratory Societies. Based on strong scientific evidence, this publication highlights the urgent need for decisive action across all sectors to ensure clean air.

Air pollution is now recognised as one of the five leading risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Action is now needed to protect and promote the health of people worldwide.

According to the the World Health Organization, air pollution causes 7 million deaths every year worldwide, making it the world’s largest single environmental health risk. Addressing this issue will not only help to contain the rising burden of NCDs, and its strain on health systems, but also support the progress towards multiple SDGs and the achievement of UHC by 2030.

In the lead up to the UN Climate and the Un High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage, which will both take place on 23^rd September at UN Headquarters in New York, it is especially important to consider the links between health and environmental sustainable development priorities. This policy brief provides key actions and strategies that policy makers, NGOs and Health professionals can take to ensure a collective action in response to this global challenge.

Download the air pollution brief here