Global Climate and Health Alliance

Roundtable: Advancing Policy Action and Health Leadership to Combat Air Pollution (WHO Air Pollution Conference)

Organised by: Global Climate and Health Alliance & Clean Air Fund
Date: 24 March 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Venue: Sala 302 B, Centro de Convenciones Cartagena de Indias, Cartagena, Colombia
By Invitation Only

Photo credit: Daylin Paul: Deadly Air Series 

Air pollution is now the second leading global risk factor for mortality, responsible for over 8.1 million premature deaths in 2021. The health consequences are severe, contributing to cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders, and various cancers. Children under five are especially vulnerable, with nearly 700,000 deaths linked to air pollution in the same year.

This crisis is particularly acute in low- and middle-income countries, where urbanisation, industrialisation, and reliance on polluting fuels drive dangerously high levels of exposure. These regions face significant challenges in responding effectively due to limited resources and infrastructure, making targeted policy action and leadership essential.

About the Roundtable

This high-level roundtable will bring together policymakers, health leaders, researchers, and multilateral organizations to discuss actionable strategies for integrating air pollution responses into health systems. The session will explore policy interventions, showcase successful initiatives, and identify ways to build more resilient health systems.

Participants will examine how health ministries and agencies can lead efforts to mitigate air pollution’s impact, drawing from the latest evidence and case studies from around the world. A key focus will be on strengthening health infrastructure, improving air quality monitoring, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and ensuring that communities—especially the most vulnerable—are at the heart of solutions.

Speakers include

  • Hon Gloria Balboa, Under Secretary, Dept of Health, Philippines (Confirmed)
  • Dr Maria Niera, Director of the Department of Public Health and Environment at the World Health Organization (WHO).

By fostering dialogue and collaboration, this roundtable aims to drive transformative policy action that will enable health systems to address air pollution as a public health priority.

Key Themes for Discussion

1. Comprehensive Health Infrastructure Assessment

  • Conducting vulnerability assessments to identify at-risk populations.
  • Strengthening the capacity of health infrastructure to manage air pollution-related illnesses.

2. Investing in Air Quality Data and Health Systems

  • Enhancing monitoring and data collection on air quality and health impacts.
  • Developing early warning systems to mitigate acute health risks.
  • Expanding training for health professionals to manage and prevent air pollution-related conditions.

3. Cross-Sectoral and Regional Collaboration

  • Promoting partnerships between health, environment, and transportation sectors.
  • Addressing upstream determinants of air pollution through coordinated policies.
  • Facilitating regional and transboundary cooperation to tackle shared challenges.

4. Community-Centred Approaches

  • Conducting community needs assessments to inform tailored interventions.
  • Expanding access to preventative and therapeutic care, particularly for vulnerable populations.
  • Engaging communities in co-creating solutions to reduce exposure and improve health outcomes.


Attendance is by invitation only. For inquiries, please email here.