Marking a renewed phase of regional collaboration, a new declaration is urging swift and coordinated measures to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Introduced in the context of the 2nd WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in March 2025, the Initiative reinforces the connection between health policy and environmental justice across the Americas.

From global commitments to regional action

First advanced at the Latin American Conference on Air Quality and Health held in Santiago, Chile, in October, the Santiago Declaration on Clean Air and Environmental Justice sets out a collective vision that affirms clean air as a fundamental human right and places health at the core of policymaking. It highlights air pollution as a leading, preventable contributor to noncommunicable diseases and premature deaths, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups and communities already burdened by social and environmental inequities.

Launched by the Colegio Médico de Chile and the International Society of Doctors for the Environment (ISDE), with endorsement from the Pan American Health Organization and support from the World Health Organization and other international partners, the Declaration transforms scientific evidence and prior commitments into a comprehensive regional action framework. It calls for integrating environmental health into primary health care, reinforcing monitoring and accountability systems, and promoting evidence-informed, participatory decision-making across sectors, including a stronger role for the public health workforce.

Priorities to protect health

The Declaration outlines key priorities: cutting human-generated air pollution in line with WHO’s updated roadmap for a stronger global response to the health impacts of air pollution; preserving ecosystems to protect both health and climate resilience; incorporating environmental health considerations into policies beyond the health sector; expanding professional training and capacity-building efforts; improving transparency and public access to environmental and health data; and creating a Latin American Network on Air Quality and Health to link researchers, civil society, policymakers, and technical experts. It also stresses the need for targeted measures in high-altitude Andean cities, where geographic and atmospheric conditions can intensify pollution exposure and related health risks.

Implementation, coordination and sustained WHO engagement

The Declaration aligns closely with the Belém Health Action Plan presented at COP30, whose implementation will be coordinated in partnership with the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH). Its strong focus on health equity, climate justice, leadership, and governance—alongside meaningful social participation—mirrors the priorities of that plan. Together, these efforts promote people-centered strategies that integrate air quality management, climate action, and the strengthening of health systems.

A dedicated coordination group has been formed to guide the rollout of the Declaration’s objectives. This group will advocate for its principles, engage communities and institutions, track progress, and encourage sustained dialogue among all relevant stakeholders.

PAHO Regional Action Plan on Air Quality and Health for Latin America and the Caribbean (2026-2031)

PAHO, working closely with Ministries of Health across the Americas, has advanced the joint development of the Regional Action Plan on Air Quality and Health for Latin America and the Caribbean (2026–2031). The Plan envisions positioning the region as a global leader in clean air initiatives while protecting the health and well-being of its populations, especially those most at risk.

The Action Plan defines strategic priorities to reinforce health sector leadership; strengthen monitoring and data collection systems; promote integrated and cross-sectoral policies; enhance communication, awareness, and community participation; and secure sustainable financing alongside deeper regional cooperation. It is aligned with WHO’s global strategy, including the voluntary objective of reducing deaths linked to human-caused air pollution by 50% by 2040, using 2015 as the baseline.

Moving forward

The Santiago Declaration builds on the longstanding efforts of WHO and PAHO in the areas of air quality, energy, climate change, and public health, supporting countries in translating international commitments into tangible measures. By framing clean air as both a public health imperative and a matter of environmental justice, the Declaration calls for united, decisive action to protect people’s health and ensure a sustainable future for the planet.