By Ajibola Adedoye
Air quality stakeholders in Africa
will convene in Lagos, Nigeria for a five-day CLEAN-Air Forum to discuss the pressing issue of air pollution in the continent.
The Forum is expected to attract over 300 particpants from over 40 cities in 40 countries globally.
The participants represent the air quality communities in practice in
Africa comprising different stakeholders including policymakers, representatives from civil society organizations, the private sector, development partners and the scientific communities.
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The forum will take place from 8th-12th July, with the aim of fostering knowledge sharing, and transdisciplinary collaborations while particularly emphasizing the need to strengthen regional networks and multi-regional partnerships for sustained interventions for clean air in African cities.
Organised by AirQo, a pan-African research initiative at Makerere University, Uganda and hosted
by the Air Quality Monitoring Research Group (AQMRG) and EUEPiN from the Unversity of Lagos, Lagos State Environmenta Protection Agency (LASEPA), UrbanBetter,among other
stakeholders, the Forum builds on the success of its inaugural event in Kampala, Uganda, in 2023, which brought together participants from over 31 cities worldwide.
A study from the Global Burden of Disease indicates that air polution s responsible for around 1.1 million deaths annually in Africa. It has become the second leading cause of death on the
continent, largely due to rapid urbanization and industrialization.
However, air quality experts point
out that Africa lacks the resources and capacity to develop and implement effective measures to address air pollution in its cities.
According to Professor Engineer Bainomugisha, the AirQo Project Lead, the CLEAN-Air Forum underscores the urgency of addressing and championing clean air in Africa’s urban environments.
“The Forum will provide pathways to air quality management for African cities and increase awareness of air quality and air pollution issues for better health outcomes in Africa,” Bainomugisha noted.
Dr. Rose Alani the Lead, Air Quality Monitoring Research Group (AQMRG) at the University of Lagos, noted that 39 air quality monitors have been installed in Lagos City providing real-time air
quality data she noted that access to real-tme ar quality dataand ongoing research is crucial in developing effective strategies to mitigate air polution.
“This forum will enhance our efforts to discuss how we can create sustainable air quality interventions and improve publc health outcomes not only here in Lagos but across the continent,” Dr Alani noted
The week-long Forum will feature plenary sessions discussing evidence-informed policy development for air quality management in African cities, the health impacts of air pollution in
Africa and knowledge-sharing sessions to advance the science-policy interface and public awareness of ar quality.
Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), will be one of the keynote speakers. He notes that the Forum presents a unique opportunity to accelerate our ongoing efforts to tackle air pollution in Lagos.
“Lagos is Nigeria’s largest city and Africa’s largest megacity, and with its rapid urbanization comes various challenges. We are committed to addressing air qualty issues in the city,” he notes
He added, “Together with our partners from the University of Lagos, we have installed an air quality monitoring network to provide real-time data on the status of air quality in Lagos, with this
data we have reliable information that we are using to informsustainabe interventions to improve the quality of air in Lagos.”
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) will be participating n the Forum
Engineer Abimbola Akinajo, the Managing Director, LAMATA noted “At LAMATA, we are committed to transforming urban mobility in Lagos.” noted Engineer Abimbola “ The transport sector plays a vital role in air quality and our participation in the CLEAN-Air Forum underscores
our dedication to sustainable transport solutions.”
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) noted that the Authority is committed to implementing effective waste management strategies that not only keep Lagos clean but also significantly improve ar quality.
“Proper waste management is crucial in reducing pollutants and ensuring a healthier environment for all,” Dr. Gbadegesin noted
“Our involvement in the CLEAN-Air Forum highlights our commitment to innovative solutions and collaborative efforts that drive sustainable development and protect our communites from the adverse effects of air pollution.”
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