HEART FOUNDATION CALLS FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS IN REDUCING POLLUTION

By Scoop Reporter

NATIONAL and Local Government has a critical role to play in reducing air pollution through policy implementation, Zambia Heart and Stroke Foundation Executive Secretary Brenda Chitindi has said.

Ms. Chitindi said Zambia must urgently accelerate efforts to curb air pollution levels and implement policy and health interventions to protect people from its harmful effects.

She said the Government action would be critical towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs), mortality, as well as having broader benefits in tackling the climate crisis.

“Zambia Heart and Stroke Foundation, is hereby encouraging cardiologists, cardiovascular scientists, health practitioners in general cardiovascular communities, and health organizations to join together and advocate for recognition of air pollution as a major risk factor for cardiovascular health and help prioritize resources and political will to tackle the issue,” Ms. Chitindi said.

She said air pollution, which has damaging effects on most organs of the body, was the sixth biggest risk factor for mortality globally including Zambia, the seventh for disability-adjusted life years, and the number one environmental risk factor for ill health and death.

She said its impacts on cardiovascular health were profound with exposure linked to the exacerbation of all major cardiovascular diseases including stroke.

“Everyone is exposed to air pollution in their lives no matter where they live in the world.

Its impacts are far-reaching from causing and exacerbating ill health to loss of life.

She said substantial reduction in cardiovascular events including beyond people who smoke had been observed following the ban on cigarettes in public places in many countries.