By MONICA KAYOMBO, Zambia, Lusaka,
NON-Communicable Diseases Alliance (NCD Alliance), in its latest report, has urged governments to take urgent action on air pollution in order to reduce deaths linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The report further reveals that NCDs have contributed to deepening health inequities, with pollutants having devastating effects on both the climate and the environment.
Despite this, air pollution continues to receive far less policy attention than it deserves.
In a recent press release issued by NCD Alliance Communications Expert, Mr Michael Kessler, the report reveals that air pollution causes nearly eight million deaths annually, with 86 percent of these deaths linked to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, and chronic respiratory illnesses.
The new report by the NCD Alliance, with funding support from Haleon, calls for urgent action, stating that air pollution remains a leading preventable risk factor for NCDs.
It contributes to millions of deaths each year and places the greatest burden on low and middle-income countries. The report further notes that air pollution drives major economic, environmental, and social harms, making clean air policies essential for protecting both human and planetary health.
The report, titled “A Breathable Planet: Best Practices for Clean Air Policies to Meet NCD Targets,” presents fast-acting and cost-effective policies that governments can implement immediately, drawing from successful experiences in reducing air pollution and its associated health impacts.
The publication comes at a critical moment. In the 2025 UN Political Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health, countries committed to strengthening action on air pollution as part of broader efforts to combat NCDs. During the same year, countries also agreed on a target to halve premature deaths caused by human-led air pollution by 2040, under the World Health Organization (WHO) updated roadmap aimed at enhancing the global response to the adverse health effects of air pollution.
The report emphasizes that strong advocacy is now needed to push governments to translate these commitments into bold policy actions and integrate them into national NCD strategies.
“Clean air policies bring shared benefits for health, equity, the economy, and the environment. Acting on air pollution is not only essential for reducing the NCD burden, but also for achieving many other development goals,” said Liz Arnanz, NCD Alliance Policy and Advocacy Manager.
The report states that air pollution is the leading environmental risk factor for NCDs, causing as many deaths as tobacco use. As with other risk factors, the greatest burden falls on low- and middle-income countries.
It further highlights best practices and country examples where policies are already delivering positive results.
Measures such as restricting vehicle emissions, phasing out fossil fuels, expanding access to clean energy, and promoting active mobility are producing measurable benefits for both public health and the environment in many countries. These interventions also generate significant economic gains, improve social equity, and support progress toward climate action, physical activity promotion, and the development of healthier and more sustainable food systems.
“Air pollution is an urgent public health challenge, driving respiratory and wider health impacts which disproportionately affect vulnerable communities,” said Sarah McDonald, Vice President of Health Inclusivity and Sustainability at Haleon.
She added: “This report highlights that scaling proven, cost-effective clean air policies can improve everyday health and reduce the risk of NCDs. At Haleon, we are working with our partners to build evidence and drive action to help more people live healthier lives.”
The report concludes that future progress on air pollution will depend on translating political commitments into concrete action. With key political opportunities approaching, including the UN High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage in 2027 and ongoing climate negotiations, stakeholders say momentum must not be lost.
Sara McDonald, VP of Health Inclusivity and Sustainability at Haleon
