The World Health Organization in Iraq warned today, Thursday, that air pollution is linked to an increased risk of diseases, noting that an effective response requires a multi-sectoral approach connecting health, environment, water, energy, transport, municipalities, and other relevant sectors.
Dr. Jamila Al-Raabi, head of the World Health Organization in Iraq, stated in a press release received by the "Video News Agency": "The World Health Organization views Iraq's declaration of a state of environmental emergency and the launch of a governmental platform to monitor pollution rates and cases as two significant steps towards enhancing public health protection. Pollution is not just an environmental issue; it represents a health and developmental challenge that requires a comprehensive and multi-sectoral response."
She explained that "from a public health perspective, air pollution is linked to an increased risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and lung cancer, while water pollution can increase the risk of waterborne diseases. Exposure to certain chemical and industrial pollutants may leave long-term health effects. These risks are exacerbated by climate change, particularly under extreme heat, water scarcity, dust storms, and deteriorating air quality."
She noted that "the importance of monitoring systems lies not only in measuring pollution levels but also in linking environmental data with health indicators to identify sources of risk and the areas and groups most exposed, enhancing early warning systems, and taking timely preventive measures. Priority should be given to children, the elderly, outdoor workers, individuals with chronic diseases, and other vulnerable groups."
She expressed support for Iraq "in assessing the health risks associated with climate change and environmental factors, developing a national health adaptation plan to climate change, enhancing monitoring and early warning, and building a more resilient health system and health facilities, alongside providing evidence-based health guidance in areas such as air quality, water, sanitation, and environmental health."
She affirmed that "an effective response requires a multi-sectoral effort linking health, environment, water, energy, transport, municipalities, and other relevant sectors."
She indicated that "the ultimate goal is not just to monitor pollution as an environmental number but to understand its impact on human health and to convert data into early warnings, and warnings into preventive measures that protect public health and reduce the burden on the health system."
Iraq is ranked as the sixth most polluted country in the world, according to rankings by IQAir, which monitors air quality globally.