Open letter to H.E. Mohamed Ould Cheikh AI- Ghazouani of the African Union: The urgent need for a common standard for air pollution control in the African Union (Clean-Air Forum, Lagos, 2024)
July 07, 2024
H.E. Mohamed Ould Cheikh AI- Ghazouani
Chairperson of the African Union
African Union Headquarters
P.O. Box 3243, Roosevelt Street (Old Airport Area)
W21K19, Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Dear Chairperson Mohamed Ould Cheikh AI- Ghazouani,
We are writing to you as concerned citizens deeply invested in the health and well-being of our beloved continent, Africa. It is with great respect for the African Union’s mission of promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life for all African people that we submit this letter ahead of the Clean Air Forum — Lagos, Nigeria.
The issue of air pollution has become an urgent public health crisis, contributing to numerous health problems and environmental degradation across our nations, with an estimated 99% of the global population breathing air that does not meet WHO standards (WHO, 2024). It is currently the second leading risk factor for death with an associated 1.2 million premature deaths in 2021 on the continent. In children under age 5, air pollution induced deaths in East, West, Central and Southern Africa is 100 times higher than those in high income countries HEI, 2024). As we strive for economic growth and development, it is crucial that we address this challenge with a unified and science-based approach. Therefore, we propose the establishment of a common standard for air pollution control across the African Union member states.
By adopting a continent-wide standard, based on rigorous scientific research and best practices, we can ensure a consistent and effective response to air pollution. This standard would help:
- Protect Public Health: Reducing air pollution will decrease the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, ultimately saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.
- Promote Peace: Setting a common standard for clean air in Africa gives the continent crucial health topics of conversation to engage each member state cross-culturally; between the citizens of Africa and between Africans and the rest of the world. These conversations will enhance peaceful co-existence, improve air quality standards as lines are drawn and consensus is reached.
- Promote Environmental Sustainability: A uniform standard will aid in the preservation of our ecosystems, ensuring cleaner air, water, and soil for future generations.
- Enhance Economic Development: Cleaner air contributes to a healthier workforce and can attract international investments and tourism, driving sustainable economic growth.
We urge the African Union to consider convening a panel of scientific experts and stakeholders from all member states to develop these standards across the regional/ economic blocs. We propose strong collaboration and knowledge sharing as an essential part of crafting regulations that are both practical and efficient.
Your leadership in this initiative will not only protect our environment and public health but also set a precedent for international cooperation and commitment to sustainable development.
Thank you for considering this important matter. We are confident that under your esteemed guidance, the African Union can lead the way in implementing a comprehensive and scientifically grounded standard for air pollution control.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Collins Gameli Hodoli (University of Georgia, Athens, USA | University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Eastern Ghana | Clean Air One Atmosphere, Accra, Ghana)
Dr. Sam-Quarcoo Dotse (University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Eastern Ghana)
Victor Dzidefo Ablo (Salvation Army Senior High School, Akim Wenchi, Eastern Region, Clean Air One Atmosphere, Accra, Ghana)
Kelvin Yeboah (Ghana Urban Air Quality Project/Breathe Accra Project (Data Component), Cape Coast, Ghana)
Govardhan Adjetey (AJ Willz) , Brand Consultant and Strategist with AJ Willz Media, Media Personality and Clean Air Ghana Influencer and Advocate.
Benjamin Adadevoh ( Digital Marketer with 3rd Floor and Robert and Sons Limited and Clean Air Ghana Community Leader)
Patrick Baah Odopleh ( Founder of Achievers W.C Network. Focus on Pollution Free environment and Clean Air Ghana Advocate)
Nyasha Milanzi ( Sustainability Graduate Student at Michigan Technological University| I call Zimbabwe and Ghana home)
Mudib Rawoot (President of The World Peace Catalyst Fund)
Ngozi Oguguah, PhD (Nigeria Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Lagos, Nigeria)
Dr Brighton Austin Chunga (Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi)
Miss Awula Serwah (Eco-Conscious Citizens, Accra, Ghana)
Maxwell Kojo Xonu (Cofounder, Ebapreneur Solutions Limited, Ghana)
Miss Gloria Agyare (Ghana Youth Environmental Movement, Accra, Ghana)
Yamikani D.M. Yafeti (Lake Malawi Anglican University, Department of Public Health, Lilongwe, Malawi)
