Asia-Pacific nations roll out WHO framework on air, health risks

Eleven governments launched WHO-backed efforts to strengthen health-based policymaking.

Eleven Asia-Pacific countries have joined the World Health Organization (WHO) to launch a regional roadmap and a new technical network that aim to bring health considerations into air quality and climate policies.

The forum was co-organised by the WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health (ACE), Nanyang Technological University's Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Health (CCEH), with support from the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health.

The initiatives were announced at the Regional Action Forum on Health Impact Assessment and the Synergistic Effects of Air Pollution and Heat in Singapore.

WHO said air pollution remains one of the leading environmental causes of illness and premature death whilst also noting that rising temperatures are also increasing health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.

The new Regional Road Map on Air Quality and Health gives countries a common framework to include health in air quality management and climate policies.

WHO said it will help governments strengthen their capacity, use health data in policymaking, and support actions to improve air quality.

It also launched the Community of Practice on Air Pollution and Health Impact Assessment, a regional network bringing together health ministries, universities, WHO collaborating centres, and technical partners.

The network will support training, technical exchange, and knowledge sharing to improve how countries assess the health effects of air pollution and the benefits of cleaner air measures.

"These new initiatives will help countries place health at the centre of air quality policies, strengthen evidence-based decision-making and accelerate action to protect communities," said Sandro Demaio, WHO ACE director.

Technical Officer for Air Quality, Energy and Health at WHO ACE Josselyn Mothe said the network is designed to support long-term collaboration beyond meetings and training programmes.

"The Community of Practice will help countries learn from one another, share practical experiences and strengthen the use of health evidence to inform policies that improve public health," Mothe said.

More than 100 policymakers, researchers, public health experts, air quality practitioners, and development partners attended the forum.

CCEH founding director Steve Yim said the centre combines climate science, artificial intelligence and public health research to support practical public health solutions through regional collaboration.

The participating countries were Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.