Doctors for Clean Air | A Public Health Emergency

Doctors are effective messengers

Air Pollution is a Public Health Emergency. According to WHO, the simple act of breathing is causing many diseases and is leading to over 7 million premature deaths across the world. Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Director General of the World Health Organization, has called air pollution as the New Tobacco. Air quality in India is no exception. Over 99.3% of India's population breathes polluted air that is above the standards set by WHO. According to Air Quality Life Index (AQLI), an average Indian could gain 4.3 years in life expectancy if the WHO standards are met.

WHY TALK ABOUT AIR POLLUTION?

Most of our population is unaware of the damage caused by air pollution to their health.
There is very little demand from people for actions to reduce air pollution.
The steps taken by the Government towards clean air are often criticized and not complied with by the people as it causes inconvenience to them.
Lack of information about the severe health ill effects of air pollution, including the damage occurring to their children is the reason for people's opposition to any corrective measures to control air pollution.
If people are made aware of the seriousness of the issue, they will not only accept the measures but will also contribute actively towards solutions.

WHY DOCTORS?

Doctors experience the PAIN of health ill-effects of air pollution first hand when they see and manage these patients in their practice.
Since Air Pollution affects the health of the people, Doctors are in the best position to talk about it.
When Doctors talk to their patients and families, they are more likely to be able to motivate them as they talk from a position of strength. Thus, the Doctors can be a "motivated motivator".
Their talking will not only have immediate connect with the people but will also be far more convincing.
Doctors can translate the studies across the world which link air pollution and health into simple, understandable words for the common people

key objectives

AWARENESS

AMONG GENERAL PUBLIC

Doctors must educate the general public about the serious ill-effects of Air Pollution and the damage to their health and future generations due to breathing dirty air.

AWAKENING

FOR NEED FOR FASTER ACTION

Citizens and policy makers must realize the threat to mankind due to air pollution and recognize Air Pollution as a Public Health Emergency.

ACTION

BY CITIZENS & POLICY MAKERS

Doctors to influence Citizens, Administrators and Policy Makers for the need for urgent and stricter actions for Clean Air for their health.

AN INITIATIVE BY

VIEW

Lung Care Foundation

A not-for-profit organization working towards "Care & Cure OF 2.6 Billion Lungs in India" through education, research & clinical care.