Pollution is said to be the biggest killer in developing countries.
Contaminated air, water and soil claim millions of lives every year.
Rapid urbanization and economic growth brings fear that these
numbers will only rise in years to come. In Uganda, the effects of
pollution on people are becoming more visible. The World Health
Organization (WHO) says more than eight million people die around
the world every year as a result of living in a polluted environment.
In Kampala, Dr.Kiggundu Tamale said the effects of air pollution are
becoming more and more noticeable. "Air pollution has become one
of the biggest challenges faced in Uganda, especially in urban
centres. The main cause of air pollution is transport, especially rapid
motorization that is being experienced in urban areas. But then there
are other causes, like mining and open waste burning." Said
Dr.Tamale. Doctors say it is often difficult to tie someone's health
problems especially to air pollution. In recent years though, doctors in
Uganda have seen an increase in the number of patients with lung
problems.
Dr.William Worodria said air pollution has multiple effects "and
particularly the lungs, the heart and other body systems. In the lungs
you may have chronic lung disease, like bronchial asthma, and
chronic obstructed lung diseases, even lunger cancer has been
reported to be associated with air pollution," said Dr.William
Worodria. Worldwide, the WHO says pollution kills more people than
malaria, HIV and AIDS and tuberculosis put together. Yet, the
population is many times not protected from pollution by government.
Studies by Ugandan scientists suggest about 14% of children
between the ages of 8 and 14 living in Kampala have bronchial
asthma.
Dr.William Worodria said researchers found similar results in one of
Uganda's rural districts. In such districts, other forms of pollution
included indoor pollution from smoke which comes from the cooking
using firewood. About 14% of the people in the rural district had some
form of lung diseases. Scientists and health officials say, one of the
reasons air pollution is not given attention in many countries is
because it can not be seen easily and therefore not considered to be
a big problem. "For example, if you have poor road infrastructure or
electricity, this is obvious. So our politicians tend to focus more on
problems that are visible. But air pollution is less visible and,
therefore, our decision makers or policy makers do not see it as very
important," said Dr.Tamale.
Recently, however, Ugandan health officials and the government
have started a campaign to raise awareness about lung diseases
caused by air pollution. One suggested approach includes trying to
get people out of their cars and walking, before Uganda becomes
congested not only by cars but by their exhaust fumes.
By Serginho Roosblad Feb 18, 2015