Health Effects of Air Pollution in East Africa: Current Evidence and Priorities for Future Action
Health Effects Institute (HEI)
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Abstract: This regional report synthesizes current evidence on the health effects of air pollution across eight East African countries?Burundi, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. It draws on 34 peer-reviewed studies from 2010 to 2023, emphasizing links between air pollution (both ambient and household) and health risks, including respiratory disease, cardiovascular conditions, and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Kenya-specific insights include elevated PM?.? exposure in Nairobi, air quality planning progress such as the 2022 Nairobi AQMP, and health risks associated with biomass use. The review also analyzes monitoring gaps, health data integration challenges, and emerging trends in regulatory efforts. Recommendations focus on enhanced air quality monitoring, cross-sectoral policy integration, and coordination between public health and environmental authorities.