The Nigerian Heart Foundation, has partnered the University of Manchester, UK, to host an international meeting on climate change/air pollution on 24th Thursday, April commencing 9.00 am to 2.00 pm, at Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria.
The meeting themed ‘Advancing air quality policy through innovation, research, and youth engagement’ is to address the challenges posed by climate change and air pollution.
Researchers, Academics, Policy Makers, Government, Diplomatic Missions, CSOs, Media, Regulatory Agencies are enjoined to attend the summit.
This summit is coming at the right time because air pollution is no longer just a respiratory threat but also a contributor to heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases, according to health experts.
At a recent summit in New Delhi, the frequently overlooked link between air quality and heart health was highlighted.
Furthermore, ‘the common perception that ties pollution to lung diseases is more than that, as air pollution kills primarily through cardiovascular diseases. For instance, the fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, penetrates deep into the bloodstream and oxidizes cholesterol, which triggers plaque ruptures that may lead to acute heart attacks’, according to the Medical Superintendent of VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, Sandeep Bansal.
Bansal stated further; ‘we need to understand that air pollution is now the third leading cause of death globally. It is crucial to come together and find effective, sustainable solutions to combat this crisis and protect heart health.
Several other topics to be discussed at the summit includes; ‘Air Quality Monitoring in Nigeria: Progress and Innovation; Promotion of Awareness on Air Quality in Schools; Air Quality Monitoring Competition in Schools in 2022 and 2023; Empowering Communities in Kenya: The Improved Cook Stove Story; The Link between Air Pollution and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs); SQUARE’s Research on Scientific Insights into Public Health Impacts; From Policy to Action: Roles of Policy Makers and Mass Media
