PAHO and the Clean Air Fund conclude the second phase of collaboration with advances in environmental health in the Americas

Both organizations conclude their second year of joint work with major regional advances in air quality, climate change, and addressing the environmental determinants of health.

Washington, D.C., February 20, 2026 - The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Clean Air Fund (CAF) concluded the second phase of their technical collaboration (February 2025-February 2026) with significant results, building on an initial stage implemented in 2024. Based on these achievements, both organizations are moving forward in negotiating a new phase of cooperation to continue strengthening the air quality and health equity agenda in the Americas, integrating climate co-benefits.

During this second phase, the integration of health and equity into decision-making related to climate change and air quality was promoted through the use of World Health Organization (WHO) tools such as CLIMAQ-H. With expert support, countries such as Brazil and Belize strengthened their technical capacities to quantify health impacts derived from emission reduction scenarios, reinforcing the connection between air quality, health, and climate action.

In parallel, with support from Mexico's National Institute of Public Health (INSP), capacities in epidemiological surveillance of health effects associated with air pollution were strengthened. This effort included a regional virtual course and targeted technical assistance to countries such as Mexico and El Salvador, focused on the feasibility, design, and operation of these surveillance systems.

Complementarily, capacities to assess the impacts of poor air quality were reinforced by incorporating an equity approach into health impact assessments through tools such as AirQ+, with pilot projects implemented in Bolivia and Mexico.

CAF's support has been essential for the development of the Air Quality and Health Plan for Latin America and the Caribbean, which is currently in its final stage. This process included a regional meeting held during the WHO Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena (March 2025), with the participation of more than 20 countries; virtual meetings involving nearly 29 countries; and an in-person workshop in Mexico (February 2026) that brought together 21 countries from the region, consolidating key inputs for this roadmap and strengthening regional governance on health and air quality.

Additionally, through PAHO and within the framework of this project, efforts were made to elevate health, air quality, and equity within international climate discussions by organizing two high-level events at the WHO Health Pavilion during COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

370.000 deaths a year

The Americas face a persistent public health threat stemming from air pollution. In the Region, nearly 370,000 deaths are attributed each year to exposure to harmful air pollutants, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen actions to reduce air pollution and advance progress toward regional public health goals. Populations in situations of vulnerability are the most affected.

Estimating the health impacts associated with air pollution and gaining a comprehensive understanding of its effects have proven to be key elements for mobilizing stakeholders in the health sector and catalyzing the implementation of comprehensive, evidence-based interventions that respond to national and regional priorities.

Climate change and air quality share common structural determinants, primarily related to the use of polluting fuels. The burning of fossil fuels simultaneously releases air pollutants and greenhouse gases, as well as super-pollutants such as ozone and black carbon, which generate significant impacts on both air quality and the climate system.

In 2024, PAHO approved the Climate Change and Health with Equity Policy, which aims to strengthen action within the health sector, improve climate change adaptation and mitigation, ensure the participation of communities in situations of vulnerability, and enhance surveillance systems, as well as increase financing for climate and health.