Улаанбаатар
Asian scholars discussing health impacts of air pollution
Society
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ A science and policy dialogue on combating urban air pollution impacts on maternal and child health in Asia kicked off today at Tuushin Hotel. Being organized by the Government of Mongolia, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, Governor’s Office of the capital city, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the Asian Development Bank, the two-day international dialogue is involving over 150 participants including scholars from Asia, international research institutes that deal with air pollution, and civil society and private sector representatives.
In her remarks at the event, Health Minister D.Sarangerel noted
that partnerships between ministries, local authority, citizens and entities
are crucial to air pollution reduction, expressing hope that the second dialogue
will greatly contribute to mitigation of air pollution impacts on maternal and child
health.
At the dialogue, delegates from China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, and
China will have discussions about taking measures to identify the current
situation, addressing pressing issues, reducing air pollution and its health
impacts and exchange experience with countries combating air pollution.
D.Munkhjargal, an official in charge of urban air and
environmental pollution projects, briefly introduced the measures being taken
to reduce air pollution in the capital city, informing that certain projects
and programs are being implemented to decrease air pollution impacts on maternal
and child health. “Air Pollution Impacts on Maternal and Child Health project
has been carried out in Bayanzurkh district, halving child mortality rate in
the district. We are working to implement the project in Songinokhairkhan district,”
she said.
In addition to the air
pollution impacts on maternal and child health, the discussion will touch upon
the pollution’s social and economic impacts, projects and programs on the reduction
of air pollution, and ways to increase funds for taking effective actions.
