Lagos state is set to host this year’s CLEAN-AIR Forum aimed at addressing the growing crisis of air pollution across the African continent. Air quality experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from various countries will gather in Lagos for the Forum from 18th – 12th July 2024.
According to the press release by AirQo, organisers of the event, the forum will build on the success of its inaugural event held in Kampala last year.
AirQo, a pan-African research initiative based at Makerere University in Uganda, stated that this year’s event will be co-hosted by the University of Lagos and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), among other partners.
According to AirQo, the urgency of the gathering is underscored by recent studies indicating that air pollution claims approximately 1.1 million lives annually in Africa, making it the second leading cause of death on the continent.
Rapid urbanization and industrialization have exacerbated the problem, while many African cities lack the resources to effectively combat air pollution.
Professor Engineer Bainomugisha, AirQo Project Lead, emphasized the forum’s importance stating that “The CLEAN-Air Forum will provide pathways to air quality management for African cities and increase awareness of air pollution issues for better health outcomes in Africa.”
Lagos, Africa’s largest megacity, has already taken steps to address air quality concerns. Dr. Rose Alani from the University of Lagos revealed that 39 air quality monitors have been installed throughout the city, providing real-time data crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies.
The forum will feature plenary sessions on evidence-informed policy development, health impacts of air pollution, and strategies to advance the science-policy interface and public awareness.
Key speakers include Dr Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, who noted the forum’s potential to “accelerate our ongoing efforts to tackle air pollution in Lagos.”
Representatives from Lagos’ transport and waste management sectors will also participate, highlighting the multifaceted approach needed to address air quality issues.
As African cities continue to grow, the CLEAN-Air Forum 2024 represents a critical step towards fostering regional cooperation and developing sustainable solutions to combat air pollution.