Launch of the joint WHO/UNICEF report: Clean air, healthy children

Air pollution represents a critical challenge to global health, particularly for children, who are disproportionately affected by its adverse effects. Approximately 930 million children globally, which equates to 40% of the total child population, breathe outdoor air that exceeds the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended levels of fine particulate matter—often by a staggering sevenfold. This alarming statistic is highlighted in the upcoming WHO/UNICEF report titled “Clean air, healthy children: Summary of evidence and multisectoral interventions to tackle air pollution for a healthier, equitable future,” set to launch on October 28, 2025.

The Severity of the Air Pollution Crisis

Air pollution is not merely an environmental concern; it stands as the leading environmental health risk posed to children worldwide. The implications of toxic air exposure are profound, contributing to a range of health issues that can jeopardize development from infancy onward. Low- and middle-income countries bear the brunt of this crisis, where the resilience of public health systems is often strained. Children in these regions face compounded threats—airborne pollutants exacerbate illnesses such as asthma, respiratory infections, and cardiovascular diseases.

The report outlines the multifaceted nature of air pollution, pinpointing several key sources impacting children’s health:

1. Residential Energy Use: Many households rely on solid fuels, leading to indoor air pollution.
2. Transport: Increasing urbanization has led to heightened vehicle emissions.
3. Industrial Activity: Factories and power plants release harmful pollutants.
4. Waste-Burning: Open burning of waste contributes significantly to air quality degradation.
5. Wildfires: Smoke from wildfires permeates vast areas, particularly affecting regions prone to such ecological disasters.
6. Sand and Dust Storms: Climate change and land degradation exacerbate these natural occurrences.
7. Secondhand Smoke: Tobacco smoke continues to pose a health risk, particularly in enclosed spaces.

Health Impact and Inequity

The health implications of air pollution are severe and far-reaching. The WHO’s findings emphasize that air pollution is linked to a multitude of health complications that compromise children’s short- and long-term health. They struggle not only with immediate respiratory issues but also with developmental delays, cognitive impairments, and chronic conditions that can persist into adulthood.

The report further underscores the inequitable nature of air pollution exposure. The stark reality is that most children exposed to hazardous levels of outdoor air pollution reside in low- and middle-income countries, where regulatory structures and health systems may be insufficient to mitigate these risks. For example, around 800 million children are also impacted by indoor air pollution from cooking practices that rely heavily on solid fuels and inefficient stoves or open fires.

In recognizing these disparities, the report sets an important agenda: advocating for policies that prioritize cleaner air and healthier living environments, particularly for the world’s most vulnerable populations.

The Role of Policy and Action

The WHO/UNICEF report serves not only as an exposé but also as a roadmap for change. It calls for urgent investment and political will to implement proven solutions that can drastically improve air quality. National and local governments are recognized as pivotal actors in this transformative process. By enacting stringent air quality regulations, improving transportation infrastructure, and investing in clean energy, significant progress can be achieved in mitigating air pollution.

Moreover, the report highlights the necessity of cross-sectoral collaboration. Engaging various sectors—healthcare, education, urban planning, and environment agencies—will yield multi-dimensional benefits. Each sector possesses unique insights and power to enforce measures that could improve air quality, making it imperative for stakeholders to work cohesively.

The Upcoming Webinar and What to Expect

The launch of the report will be marked by a global webinar scheduled for October 28, 2025. This event aims to disseminate the key findings and underscore actionable steps. Participants can expect a comprehensive discussion focused on:

• Key Messages and Data: Illuminating trends and statistics that emphasize the urgency of the situation.
• Country Experiences: Showcasing successful initiatives from around the world that have enhanced children’s health.
• Interactive Discussions: Providing attendees the opportunity to engage with experts and exchange ideas on best practices.
• Health Sector Roles: Addressing how health professionals and institutions can advocate for cleaner environments.
• Next Steps: Outlining immediate and long-term strategies, ensuring that progress towards cleaner air remains on the global agenda.

The report and the accompanying webinar represent a concerted effort to rally support for vulnerable children who are disproportionately affected by air pollution. The evidence presented will galvanize action, ensuring that words translate into meaningful, real-world change.

Conclusion

As air pollution emerges as a public health crisis, it’s imperative to recognize that the challenge it poses is solvable. Solutions exist, but they require decisive action and unwavering commitment from policymakers, stakeholders, communities, and individuals alike. The WHO/UNICEF report encapsulates both the urgency of the matter and the pathways available for addressing it, especially for our children.

Air pollution may seem a distant issue to some, but it is a reality that demands immediate recognition and necessary action. As we approach the launch of the “Clean air, healthy children” report, it is essential to engage with its findings actively, to advocate for the most vulnerable, and to work relentlessly towards a future where clean air is not a privilege, but a right for every child. The upcoming webinar will not only update stakeholders on current findings but will also serve as a clarion call to everyone involved in promoting children’s health and welfare.

By embracing a multidisciplinary approach to tackling air pollution, we can aspire to create healthier communities and ultimately protect the future of our children. The call for clean air is a call for a healthier, more equitable world—one that every child deserves.

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