Health campaigners call for global attention to resolve air pollution, killer of 7m each year

Seven million people die annually from illnesses caused by air pollution, a number that surpasses deaths from Aids, tuberculosis, and malaria, the Guardian revealed in an article on Friday.

Despite this, air pollution has not received the same global recognition, resulting in a growing call from the health sector to change the situation, the text added.

It highlights that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are major contributors to the death toll. However, investment in tackling these common and chronic conditions remains low.

It also warns that less than 1% of international development finance and philanthropic funding goes towards air pollution.

It should be mentioned that some experts advocate for a global fund for air pollution, while others believe the issue is complex and requires changes in transport, energy, and infrastructure.