Cutting Environmental Hazards Can Save 13 Million Lives Each Year

According to a new country-by-country report released today by the World Health Organization, reducing environmental risks such as pollution, unsafe water, and ultraviolet radiation, 13 million lives per year could be saved.  In some countries, more than one third of the disease burden could be prevented through environmental improvements.  The most affected countries are Angola, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Afghanistan.  Even in countries with better environmental conditions, almost one sixth of the disease burden could be prevented.

In 23 countries worldwide, more than 10% of deaths are due to just two environmental risk factors: unsafe water, including poor sanitation and hygiene; and indoor air pollution due to solid fuel use for cooking. Around the world, children under five are the main victims and make up 74% of deaths due to diarrhoeal disease and lower respiratory infections.

This report will help decision-makers set priorities for specific preventative action.  For more on the report, click here.