Title : Investigating the health impacts of air pollution in urban Ethiopia: A public health perspective for lung disease prevention
Abstract:
Respiratory diseases present a significant and growing public health challenge in Ethiopia, exacerbated by factors such as urbanization, environmental pollution, and access to healthcare. This presentation will synthesize findings from multiple studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of respiratory health in the Ethiopian context. Key data on the health impacts of air pollution in urban settings will be discussed, highlighting its role as a critical risk factor for chronic lung conditions. Furthermore, the presentation will delve into the assessment of community knowledge and attitudes towards tuberculosis, identifying persistent gaps and socio-cultural barriers that hinder effective prevention and care. The analysis will also cover the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the healthcare system's capacity to deliver routine and emergency respiratory services, drawing from an evaluation of healthcare delivery challenges. Finally, the discussion will explore the patterns of health service utilization in rural communities and the role of community health workers in bridging the gap in respiratory care. By integrating these insights, this presentation aims to propose a multi-faceted framework for enhancing lung health strategies, emphasizing the need for integrated public health campaigns, improved health literacy, strengthened primary healthcare systems, and context-specific policies to reduce the burden of respiratory diseases in Ethiopia and similar settings.
