Conveners
The Silent Threat: Exploring pollution’s impact on health: Essential learning for health emergencies and public health: WHO’s open source online learning platform
- Eric Comte (Geneva Health Forum)
- Valérie Bellino (Geneva Health Forum)
Description
Environmental pollution poses significant risks to both our physical and mental well-being. While the adverse effects of air, water, and soil pollution are well-documented in scientific literature, emerging concerns such as pollution from microplastics and chemicals are only now coming to light.
Yet, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the issue remains challenging due to the complexity of ecological interactions. Moreover, certain industrial lobbies often undermine discussions by downplaying the harmful effects of pollution or questioning scientific evidence.
This session aims to foster a shared understanding of the situation and to compile a comprehensive inventory of initiatives aimed at mitigating the health impacts of pollution. Through the presentation of concrete examples, we will seek to quantify the mortality and morbidity associated with pollution, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Additionally, we will explore the potential for addressing pollution to reverse its adverse effects on health and the environment.
