Air Pollution Tied to Nearly Half of Outpatient Cases in Ghana

Accra: Nearly half of all outpatient department (OPD) cases in Ghana are linked to poor air quality, according to Mr. Desmond Appiah, Country Lead of the Clean Air Fund (CAF). Mr. Appiah highlighted that these cases include conditions such as upper respiratory tract infections, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and even malaria. He made these remarks during the launch of a CAF-supported public awareness initiative led by Infinity 970 under the Breathe Cities programme in Accra.According to Ghana News Agency, the global initiative aims to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030 to improve public health. The event brought together drivers within the Kwame Nkrumah transport stations to educate them on sources of air pollution and their role in reducing it. Participants were given the chance to pose questions to experts at the event.Mr. Appiah expressed concern over the rise of adult-onset asthma in Ghana, which is developing in individuals over the age of 20. He explained that while ast hma can be managed in adulthood, adult-onset asthma may be more persistent and harder to control than childhood-onset asthma. He also referenced recent research showing that fine particulate matter (PM2.5), one of the most harmful air pollutants, can enter the bloodstream and reach vital organs, even affecting fetuses during pregnancy.He urged drivers to service their vehicles regularly and wear nose masks on dusty roads, stating that this would not only protect their health but also prevent penalties for emitting dirty air. Mr. Appiah noted that although Ghana suffers from poor air quality, many countries have significantly improved theirs through strong policy interventions.Mr. Emmanuel Lamptey, a Director at Infinity 970, described air pollution as a growing public health crisis, warning that 99 percent of the population is exposed to harmful air daily. He stated that air pollution is the second biggest health threat globally, with some communities suffering more from dust while others are exposed to t oxic fumes from burning waste.As part of the campaign, various communication materials will be produced-such as billboards, radio jingles, TV commercials, and social media content in local languages-to educate the public on air pollution sources and effects. Community outreach programmes and hotlines will also be introduced for reporting air pollution incidents to local authorities.According to the World Health Organization, approximately 28,000 premature deaths occur annually in Ghana due to air pollution. In 2019, the country's average annual PM2.5 concentration was 11 times higher than WHO's 2021 recommended levels. Air pollution is currently the second leading health risk factor for death and disability in Ghana, after malnutrition, with children and adults over 50 being the most vulnerable. Major contributors to poor air quality in Ghana include open waste burning, use of wood and charcoal for cooking, road transport emissions, slash-and-burn agriculture, energy generation, industrial activity, and a ccidental fires.