Accelerating Action on Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Health in the African Region

WHF Communications department September 3, 2026

This statement was delivered by Prof. Fastone Goma under Agenda Item 18.1 – Progress Report on the Updated Regional Strategy for the Management of Environmental Determinants of Human Health in the African Region – at the Seventy-Sixth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa

Honourable Chair,

Distinguished Delegates,

Air pollution is now widely recognized as a leading cause of heart disease, with cardiovascular condition accounting for nearly 70% of premature deaths attributable to outdoor air pollution. We also welcome the recognition of lead pollution as a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease.

Alarmingly, over 90% of air pollution-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. In particular, ambient and household air pollution contribute to more than 600’000 deaths each year across the African region.

Therefore, WHF urges Member States to:

Adopt and implement the WHO Air Quality Guidelines (2021)
Implement recommendations from WHF’s World Heart Report 2024, especially strengthening air quality monitoring;
Phase out fossil fuel use and subsidies and negotiate a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty; and
Translate international agreements and initiatives on climate change and health, such as the UN FCCC and Libreville Declaration, into national and regional policies and strategies.

Thank you.