[PRESS RELEASE] 2026 Regional Pollution Forum in Sub-Saharan Africa

16 June, Nairobi, Kenya. In line with its mission to improve health by addressing pollution, the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) partnered with the UK government to convene senior government representatives from Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and other African countries, alongside international organisations, development partners, researchers, civil society, and donors this week in Nairobi for the Regional Pollution Forum in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Pollution remains a major and preventable driver of disease, environmental degradation, and economic loss across the region. While countries are advancing national responses, shared pollution challenges continue to cross borders and sectors.

Held from 16 to 17 June, RPF brought together stakeholders to examine priority environmental health challenges and interventions related to air pollution, chemical pollution, waste minimisation, and waste management, among others. Through country presentations, context-setting discussions, and working sessions, participants shared evidence on pollution sources, exposure pathways, and health impacts, while identifying common priorities for action.

A key component of RPF was the presentation of implementation experiences from the GAHP-led Environmental Pollution Programme (EPP) in Africa. These sessions provided a platform to demonstrate how evidence-based data and research could inform policy and drive effective solutions, while enabling countries across the region to share experiences, learn from one another, adapt successful approaches to their own contexts, and explore opportunities for regional action.

The Sub-Saharan Regional Pollution Forum was supported by UK International Development from the UK government through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and implemented in collaboration with GAHP, the National Environment Management Authority NEMA, Ministry of Health, among other stakeholders.

Toks Akinseye, Defra, UK Government: “The UK Government's priority is ensuring that all SSA regional stakeholders work together to identify and deliver sustainable and locally led environmental pollution solutions. The Regional Pollution Forum, a key objective of the Environmental Pollution Programme, is a Defra-led multilateral approach aiming to bring benefits to national governments and local communities. We look forward to the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and innovative approaches at this Forum.”

Maria Paola Lia, GAHP Executive Director, said, “Millions of people across Africa are exposed every day to pollution that harms health and livelihoods, yet much of this burden is preventable. The Regional Pollution Forum is about turning evidence into action by bringing countries together to share experiences and advance practical solutions. We call on governments, donors, and development partners to support efforts to reduce pollution and deliver lasting health benefits across the region."

Dr. James Dan Otieno, WHO Representative: “As the WHO, we provide normative guidance to the ministry at the country and global levels. And I believe that this normative guidance has enabled Kenya to advance its mission and vision with regard to malaria interventions, as well as climate change and health interventions generally.”

Outcomes from the RPF will inform a shared regional roadmap and future collaborative activities to advance pollution prevention and health protection across Sub-Saharan Africa.