Kolkata: Inter State Doctors and Civil Society Organizations came together at a webinar organized by SwitchON Foundation, to create awareness amongst common citizens about the deteriorating health condition due to the increasing air pollution, and identify solutions to lead a healthy lifestyle.
The webinar highlighted the negative impacts of inequities on health and well-being, social and economic development, and the advantages of improving health for all through better and more equitable health services in West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. A panel discussion followed by a training session was organized as a part of the virtual event.
India has ranked 8th in the global list of countries with the most hazardous air quality and hosts 12 of the 15 most polluted cities from Central and South Asia’ (The 2022 World Air Quality Report). It has been observed over the years that though air pollution affects all but some people are more susceptible than others like children, older people, pregnant women, and people with pre existing heart and lung disease.
The virtual event was attended by distinguished experts like Pulmonologists, Oncologists and pediatricians from West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand who were highlighting the effect of air pollution on the vulnerable section of society.
Vinay Jaju, Managing Director of SwitchON Foundation said, “Air Pollution is the biggest threat to the health of humans. Our survey also shows people are very concerned about air pollution. That is why on this global health day, we have connected leading doctors and ngos to make public aware of the dangerous health effects due to the rise of pollutants and collectively take urgent action along with government agencies.”
Leading organizations and their volunteers joined the training program conducted by distinguished doctors to understand the current situation of the impact of air Pollution on health. The webinar was registered and viewed by a large number of people including civil society organizations, youth groups, health professionals, media, and other stakeholders.
Some of the NGOs attending the webinar from West Bengal were NIFAA, Durgapur Sub-divisional Sports and Cultural Society and Palla Road Pallymangal Samity. NGOs attending the webinar from Odisha were Ruchika Social Service Organization, Adruta Children’s Home, Care and Share Foundation, Utkal Sevak Samaj, Harsha Trust and Society for Children. NGOs attending the webinar from Jharkhand were Bal Kalyan Sangh, FD Foundation and Samadhan Foundation.
SwitchON Foundation also revealed a study at the webinar, based on a public perception study of human health in West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. The idea was to get a better understanding about the awareness and sensitivity of people regarding air pollution in these states.