TSA - Review of air quality management and health in megacities and large cities in the Western Pacific Region
- BACKGROUND
Clean air is a human right and fundamental for health, social well-being and sustainable development. WHO estimates that almost all of the global population (99%) breathe air that exceeds WHO guideline limits, with low- and middle-income countries suffering most. Exposure to air pollution is the second leading cause of deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), after tobacco-smoking.
WHO updated data (2022) on air quality from some cities worldwide reveals that air pollution in 83% of high-income cities and 99% of low-income cities that are monitoring air quality exceeds WHO recommended levels. The Western Pacific region is home to a significant portion of the global population, with approximately 150 million people currently residing in numerous megacities. Among these bustling urban centres are Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing, Osaka, Chongqing, Manila, Tianjin, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Moreover, projections suggest that additional cities may join this list by 2030 (UN DESA, 2018), further amplifying the challenges associated with mitigating air pollution in densely populated areas.
The global community recognizes the urgency of collective action to tackle air pollution linked to population growth and urbanization and mitigate the adverse effects on public health and the environment. WHO Member States approved resolution 68.8 in 2015 “Health and the environment: addressing the health impact of air pollution” followed by a Road map for an “enhanced global response to the adverse effects of air pollution”. The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) concluded with an agreement that signals the “beginning of the end” of the fossil fuel era by laying the ground for a swift, just and equitable transition, underpinned by deep emissions cuts and scaled-up finance (UNFCCC, 2024). In February 2024, the United National Environment Assembly adopted resolution UNEP/EA.6/L.13 encourages countries to set national ambient air quality standards bearing in mind the WHO air quality guidelines and suggests developing and implementing regional solutions to address air pollution issues.
WHO work in the Western Pacific Region focuses on advancing scientific evidence on air quality, energy and health for policy actions, supporting the Member States in the realisation of the health-based recommendations of the WHO Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) at national and local levels, conducting targeted capacity building, and enhancing the partnership and collaboration.
WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health in the Western Pacific Region (WHO/ACE) is seeking an expert team from the academic and research institute to improve the evidence-base on current situation and best practices in air quality management, and surveillance and assessment of health impacts of exposure to air pollution in megacities and large cities, thereby accelerate actions to reduce preventable deaths and diseases caused by air pollution and protect the health and well-being of the population.
2. PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY
The objective of the proposed work is to support the WHO technical unit in obtaining comprehensive overview of current situation and trends of air quality, energy and health and air quality management approaches and best practices in megacities and large cities in Asia and Pacific region.
3. DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT
Task 1: Development of a methodology for review of evidence on air pollution and health and analysis of air quality management approaches and best practices for improving and protecting population health in megacities and large cities.
- Deliverable 1.1: Study methodology (7 days)
Task 2: Collection of data through literature search, desktop review and interviews with experts. Analysis of data on air quality status and trends will be made comparing with national standards and WHO AQG health based recommended levels and interim targets for long- and short- term exposure to key air pollutants. Furthermore, available data on associated morbidity and mortality burden and cost-of- action and inaction to population health will be analysed.
- Deliverable 2.1: Data package on air quality and health in megacities and large cities (collected data and data analysis master file) prepared and submitted to WHO (50 days)
Task 3: Analysis of air quality management approaches in megacities (e.g. health considerations in relevant national/sectoral policies, regulations, programmes, air quality monitoring, emission reduction targets, health enhancing interventions, public health surveillance human resource and financing aspects) and documenting best practices, gaps and opportunities in the Asia and Pacific region.
- Deliverable 3.1: Data package for air quality management and health in megacities and large cities prepared and submitted to WHO (21 days)
Task 4: Prepare a report (for WHO publication) on air quality management and health in megacities and large cities in the Western Pacific Region and present findings at WHO internal and external meetings and knowledge sharing event/s.
- Deliverable 4.1. Based on results of tasks 2 and 3, prepare a draft full report, with country highlights and best practices of studied cities (21days);
- Deliverable 4.2. Finalize the report reflecting the comments from the peer review and professional language editing and WHO technical unit (19 days);
- Deliverable 4.3. Presentation materials prepared and/or delivered upon request of the technical unit (2 days).
The above tasks should be conducted under the strategic guidance of and close consultation with the WHO responsible technical unit.
Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English
LANGUAGES
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Expert knowledge of Chinese, Korean, Japanese.
COMPETENCIES
Producing results
Fostering integration and teamwork
Communicating in a credible and effective way
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Regular virtual check-in meetings with WHO responsible staff and technical team are required.
APPLICATIONS
Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV or Institution Profile and Expression of Interest to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 21 April 2024.
The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this work and should include their proposed daily professional fee and availability.
Please use Tender Notice No. 229704 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.