The World Health Organisation announced that more than 47 million health professionals, patients, and advocates have signed a global call for urgent action to reduce air pollution.

This call aims to protect public health and combat air pollution’s devastating effects, which cause around seven million deaths annually from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

WHO said in a statement on Monday that the call would also protect people’s health from the devastating impacts of air pollution.

The WHO, alongside international health organisations, will present this call at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia, in March 2025.

WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus restated the need for bold, science-driven action to reduce emissions, enforce stricter air quality standards, and transition to cleaner energy.

”The conference will gather political leaders, civil society representatives, and experts to drive a global clean air agenda, with a focus on addressing noncommunicable diseases linked to air pollution, such as heart disease and lung cancer.

“WHO advocates for stronger air quality standards, particularly in low-income areas, to reduce the impact of dangerous household air pollution,” he stated.

(NAN)