Did you know that nearly 1 in 4 deaths of children under 5 in East Asia and the Pacific was linked to air pollution in 2021? Children in all countries in East Asia and the Pacific are exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution that poses a critical threat to their health and well-being. This advocacy brief sheds light on the alarming impact of poor air quality on the region's youngest populations.
It highlights key findings on how the impact of air pollution goes beyond an individual child’s health and affects children’s learning, cognitive development- limiting their potential and lifelong productivity. The brief examines the causes and consequences of children’s exposure to high levels of air pollution and highlights the urgent need for actions.
It calls on governments, businesses, the health sector, parents and educators to collaborate on implementing policies, advancing technology, and promoting public awareness to reduce air pollution levels and create healthier and more sustainable futures for every child across East Asia and the Pacific.
