Georgetown, Guyana – 10 December 2025- The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), convened an air quality sensitisation workshop on Thursday, November 27, 2025, to address the urgent and expanding health risks associated with poor air quality and increased air pollution in Guyana.
Clean air is fundamental to health. However, as air quality continues to be compromised by ambient and outdoor air pollution, it remains a major environmental health issue affecting countries worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, exposure to air pollution is responsible for millions of deaths globally and significantly reduces life expectancy. Fine particulate matter, in particular, contributes to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and cancers, placing the burden of disease from air pollution on par with other major health risks such as tobacco use and unhealthy diets.
“Air pollution is more than an environmental challenge; it is a silent threat to our health and well-being. Every breath we take connects us to the quality of the air around. Protecting that air means safeguarding our future. Cleaner skies are not just a goal; they are a necessity for life,” said Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, PAHO/WHO Representative in Guyana.
Despite improvements in some regions, the global toll of deaths and lost years of healthy life due to air pollution has not significantly declined since the 1990s. While high-income countries have advanced air quality management practices, developing countries—including Guyana – face worsening conditions due to rapid urbanization and economic development.
“Air pollution is not just an environmental concern; it is a critical health challenge. Its consequences are far-reaching, affecting individuals, communities, and the very capacity of our health systems to respond,” emphasized Dr. Narine Singh, Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health.
Guyana’s air quality is heavily impacted by vehicular emissions, with over 30,000 cars added to the roads this year alone. Other contributing factors include urbanization, packaging waste, industrial activities, mining, and climate-related changes such as heat waves and wildfires. These realities underscore the need for a coordinated approach to mitigate air pollution and its health impacts.
The Ministry of Health and PAHO/WHO remain committed to strengthening health sector capacity and fostering stakeholder engagement to address this pressing issue. Understanding the correlation between air quality and health—and the roles of health and health-influencing sectors—is vital to reducing the burden of disease and safeguarding public health.
