WHO Unveils Guidelines Linking Air Quality to Public Health Action

Swift Summary

• The World health Institution (WHO) has introduced Science and Policy Summaries (SPS) aimed at reducing global air pollution impacts, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
• These summaries were launched after the Second WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia, held in March 2025.
• In 2021, approximately 6.4 million deaths globally were attributed to exposure to particulate matter; low- and middle-income countries accounted for 93% of these fatalities.
• SPS provides evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and the public on health effects of air pollution affecting vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, older adults, outdoor workers; also addressing indoor pollutants like radon or biomass smoke.
• Practical solutions span across sectors including transport, agriculture, energy production and waste management. Issues like climate change legislation and cross-border collaboration are key elements highlighted.
• Kalpana Balakrishnan from India’s Sri Ramachandra Institute contributed to creating these summaries through multistakeholder research processes. She emphasized empowering health sectors globally wiht science-backed interventions.

Images included:

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