14:00 – 15:30 - Learning Resource Center 1
 

BACKGROUND

Air pollution is a global environmental challenge that poses significant risks to population health, ecosystems and the overall societal well-being and equity. Despite the efforts in advancing air quality management, globally, each year estimated 7 million people die prematurely due to combined effects of ambient and household air pollution.

WHO estimates that almost all of the global population (99%) breathe air that exceeds WHO guideline limits, with low- and middle-income countries suffering from the highest exposures. WHO Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) 2021 edition provides updated health-based recommended levels for long- and short- term exposure to key air pollutants and interim targets to incrementally improve air quality. Most national ambient air quality standards are not legally aligned with WHO AQG recommended levels. Countries could gain tremendous health and economic benefits if the AQG levels for PM2.5 concentrations were achieved.

OBJECTIVE

The session aims to support global, regional and national actions to address and prevent the health impacts of air pollution. The specific objectives are to: · inform about WHO activities on air quality and health at global and regional level, including the adoption of the WHO Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) · Introduce the data from the forthcoming new publication Ambition of the WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines-A Western Pacific Regional Overview and parliamentarian briefs for taking actions to strengthen the national legislative and regulatory framework and enforcement capacities.

SESSION ORGANIZERS

This session will be organized by the WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health in the Western Pacific Region in collaboration with the Public Health, Social and Environmental Determinants of Health Department of WHO headquarter.

PROGRAMME
 

OPENING REMARKS

Dr. Akeem Ali, Head of the Asia-Pacific Center for Environment and Health in the Western Pacific Region Department, World Health Organization

PRESENTATION

  • WHO work to improve air quality and health  
    Heather Adair Rohani, Acting Lead, Air Quality and Health, World Health Organization
     
  • National Air Quality Standards: A Western Pacific Regional Overview - Dr. Enkhtsetseg Shinee, Coordinator, Air quality energy and health, WHO ACE

Moderated Q & A discussion: actions to bridge the gaps identified 

Dr. Akeem Ali, Head of the Asia-Pacific Center for Environment and Health in the Western Pacific Region Department, World Health Organization 
 

BRIEF FOR PARLIAMENTARIANS: AIR POLLUTION 
Dr. Akeem Ali, Head of the Asia-Pacific Center for Environment and Health in the Western Pacific Region Department, World Health Organization 

SUMMARY AND CLOSING 
Dr. Akeem Ali, Head of the Asia-Pacific Center for Environment and Health in the Western Pacific Region Department, World Health Organization