A recent report from the Health Effects Institute (HEI) has uncovered a concerning fact: air pollution is linked to nearly 30 percent of newborn fatalities in East Africa.
The report, titled ‘Health Effects of Air Pollution in East Africa: Current Evidence and Priorities for Future Action’, emphasizes the lethal consequences of household air pollution.
This issue arises from the prevalent use of solid fuels, including wood, charcoal, and coal, for cooking, heating, and lighting.
In 2021, it is estimated that over 76,000 newborns in the region died due to prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), with household air pollution responsible for more than 90 percent of these fatalities.
As the region continues to confront infectious diseases like tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, the report highlights an increasing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases associated with environmental factors such as air pollution.
In 2021, 31 percent of deaths from noncommunicable diseases in East Africa were linked to exposure to polluted air.
“This intersection of infectious and chronic diseases creates a growing ‘double burden of disease’ for the region, putting additional pressure on already vulnerable health systems and impeding socio-economic development,” the report notes.
The health repercussions of air pollution extend beyond newborn deaths.
The report identifies a range of health issues related to polluted air, including childhood pneumonia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and lung cancer.
Long-term exposure has also been linked to diminished lung function, hindered cognitive development in children, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s in adults.
For expectant mothers, air pollution heightens the risk of hypertensive disorders, stillbirth, miscarriage, and complications such as low birth weight and preterm delivery.
These dangers are especially pronounced in regions where access to clean energy and healthcare is scarce.
Inspired by conversations from a 2023 scoping workshop, the HEI report emphasizes the necessity for immediate, evidence-driven action.
It highlights the importance of conducting more health research on the effects of long-term air pollution exposure in East Africa and urges governments, researchers, and health advocates to leverage existing data to shape policies and expedite solutions.
Air pollution has evolved beyond an environmental concern; it has become a significant public health crisis.
The report suggests that initiatives for clean cooking, sustainable energy policies, and enhanced air quality monitoring could potentially save thousands of newborns annually and protect the health of millions more throughout the region.
