WHO strategic approach on air quality, energy access and health

Overview

WHO, as the coordinating authority on international health, supports countries in protecting public health through evidence-based policies and actions. Considering the significant health burden and the multiple potential benefits of interventions, the WHO Air Quality, Energy and Health Unit aims to support countries by providing evidence, building institutional capacity and leveraging the “health argument” to convene sectors to tackle air pollution and accelerate energy access. 

Recognizing the gravity and urgency of the problem, all Member States approved resolution WHA68.8: Health and the environment: addressing the health impact of air pollution at the World Health Assembly (WHA) in 2015, complemented by a roadmap for action the following year. This outlined the role of countries, and commits ministries of health to tackle the health impacts of air pollution and energy access, ultimately leading to healthier populations, UHC and emergency preparedness. The resolution and implementation of the roadmap were further informed by the WHO Global Strategy on Health, Environment and Climate Change in 2019 and have served as a foundation of the air quality, energy and health strategic approach at WHO. Air pollution is also recognized by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly as one of the five top risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

Lastly, the 2025 updated roadmap set a target for countries to achieve a 50% reduction in the population-attributable fraction of mortality from anthropogenic sources of air pollution by 2040, relative to 2015 baseline values.