Silent Killer In the Air: Experts Link Respiratory Diseases To Policy Failures, Demand Urgent Action
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The air millions breathe daily may be doing more harm than realised, as experts warn that chronic respiratory diseases are not just health conditions, but also the result of policy gaps, weak regulation, and systemic neglect.
From polluted city air to unsafe workplaces, conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease continue to rise, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where enforcement of environmental and occupational safety standards remains poor.
Health advocates say the crisis is largely preventable, pointing to everyday exposures, from vehicle emissions and industrial pollution to toxic dust in workplaces, as key drivers of long-term lung damage.
Beyond the health toll, the impact is deeply economic and social, with sufferers facing reduced productivity, missed education and growing dependence on strained healthcare systems.
Experts insist that the burden of respiratory diseases reflects broader governance choices, stressing that stronger policies on air quality, tobacco control, workplace safety and access to essential medicines could significantly reverse the trend.
They are now calling for urgent accountability, warning that without decisive action, millions more, especially children and vulnerable workers,will continue to suffer in silence.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n
