HEAL and its member Belgian Independent Health Insurance Funds (Mutualités Libres) organised an event under the auspices of the Belgian EU Presidency, on pathways for achieving clean air in cities. he conference took place on the eve of the European Parliament plenary vote on updated clean air standards and brought together over 300 participants. Decision-makers, scientists, NGOs and stakeholders gathered for a lively exchange on how to address air pollution in urban environments, sharing good practices and policy solutions.
HEAL, together with CPME, EFA, AIM, EPHA and Mutualites Libres, has today sent a joint letter to EU environment ministers who are currently considering the proposal to revise the EU’s ambient air quality directives (AAQD), a cornerstone for the protection of people’s health and the environment from air pollution.
The organisations, representing the European health sector, including medical doctors, healthcare professionals, patient groups and health insurers, urge ministers to step up on the Commission’s proposal, to reduce ill-health and health cost swiftly and significantly.
Air pollution is the top environmental risk to health in Europe and everyone is vulnerable to its impacts. People’s level of vulnerability is outside of individual control, as it evolves with age, health condition, socio-economic status, as well as where people live, study or work. The revision of the EU’s clean air standards is a unique and not-to-be missed opportunity for preventing premature death, heart attacks and strokes, cancer, asthma attacks and more.
Full letter here