Actions taken now to curb rising levels of ambient air pollution will improve health, reduce CVD, increase longevity, and produce great economic benefit for Rwanda. The single most effective intervention against air pollution will be a rapid nationwide transition to renewable energy. We recommend additionally that Rwanda prioritize air pollution prevention and control, establish a robust, nationwide air monitoring network, support research on the health effects of air pollutants, and build national research capacity. The allocation of increased resources for rural and urban public health and health care will complement air pollution control measures and further reduce CVD. To incentivize a rapid transition to renewable energy in Rwanda and other nations, we recommend the creation of a new Global Green Development Fund.
Keyphrases
- air pollution
- public health
- particulate matter
- healthcare
- lung function
- cardiovascular disease
- mental health
- randomized controlled trial
- health information
- south africa
- cross sectional
- risk factors
- health insurance
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- cardiovascular events
- risk assessment
- cardiovascular risk factors
- climate change
- human health
- life cycle