There  is a glaring gap in global action to address health issues in relation to climate change, Ministers in charge of health and environment from across Africa have said.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that some 12.6 million deaths a year are associated with environmental pollution. Of these, an estimated 6.5 million deaths (11.6 per cent of all global deaths) are associated with air pollution, from household and outdoor sources.

In a meeting in Marrakech on Tuesday, the ministers committed to reducing the annual 12.6 million deaths caused by environmental pollution.

"We, the ministers and high-level representatives, note that there is currently no global alliance that addresses the comprehensive set of linkages between health, environment and climate change,” the meeting’s declaration reads in part.

Hakima el Haite, the Moroccan minister for environment, said the declaration has raised consensus for better articulation of efforts to find a solution to the major health, environmental and climate challenges.

According to WHO, hundreds of thousands of more deaths each year are due to direct climate change impacts, including heat waves, extreme weather emergencies, drought, and increased diarrhea disease and vector borne disease transmission.

These deaths are projected to rise if climate change is not addressed, WHO warns.

"We know that most health risks from climate change are preventable,” said Dr El Houssaine Louardi, Moroccan minister for health.

"By establishing this initiative we can work together on strengthening health systems, investing in disease prevention, and common-sense measures such as improving water and sanitation systems, and infectious disease surveillance. This will save lives now and protect us from escalating climate risks,” Louardi said.

The declaration recognises that well designed policies to protect the environment will result in reducing the global burden of disease attributable to the environment, as well as reducing the rising rate of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as stroke, heart disease, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases.

NCDs account for nearly two-thirds – or 8.2 million – of deaths associated with unhealthy environments.

"The devastating consequences of air pollution affect both the climate and health. They are seen everywhere from smog-encircled mega-cities to village dwellings filled with smoke from indoor cooking. Yet virtually all air pollution is man-made – and often excessive,” said Dr Margaret Chan, WHO director-general.

"By working together across sectors, and with partners, we can help ensure that people – their livelihoods, wellbeing, and particularly their health – are at the centre of the response to climate change.”

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