KARACHI: A startling revelation came to light during a seminar titled "Environmental Risks and Effects on Human Health" organized by The APPNA Institute of Public Health (AIPH) at Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) on October 24, 2023. Environmental factors now account for a staggering 23% of all global deaths, with developing countries bearing a disproportionate burden, 15 times higher than developed nations.
Professor Amna Rehana Siddiqui, In charge of AIPH-JSMU, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the scientifically proven link between environmental risks and their detrimental impact on human health. She emphasized that these risks pose a significant threat, either through direct exposure to harmful agents or indirectly by disrupting vital ecosystems necessary for sustaining life.
The seminar shed light on the devastating consequences of severe heatwaves that struck Karachi in 2015 and 2020, resulting in numerous casualties and a surge in heat-related illnesses. JSMU's Vice Chancellor, Professor Amjad Siraj Memon, sounded the alarm about Karachi residents' vulnerability to extreme heat, underscoring the urgent need for a Heatwave Management Plan for the city.
Key points discussed in the session included:
Air Pollution's Health Impact: Exposure to air pollution is linked to a myriad of diseases, including cardiopulmonary diseases, cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis, neurodegenerative disorders, mental health issues, pregnancy complications, reduced birth weight, and decreased life expectancy.
Karachi's Air Quality Crisis: Karachi faces a significant air pollution problem, aggravated by the absence of a mass-transit system, leading to heightened fuel consumption and elevated air pollution levels throughout the city.
Decreasing Rainfall and Rising Temperatures: Pakistan is projected to experience a significant decrease in rainfall, with the possibility of minimal to no rain by 2025. By 2027, temperatures in Pakistan are expected to soar as high as 50 degrees Celsius.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately seven million people died in 2012—equivalent to one in eight global deaths—as a direct result of exposure to air pollution, reaffirming that air pollution stands as the most substantial environmental health risk worldwide.
Distinguished experts in the field of environmental health, including Professor Haider A. Khwaja Ph.D., Professor Zafar Fatmi Ph.D., Dr. Aamir Alamgir Ph.D., and Professor Nausheen H. Anwar Ph.D., shared their insights during the session.
The event was attended by notable figures such as Distinguished National Professor Iqbal Afridi, Dean Prof. Azhar Mughal, Head of Research Dr. Huma Shareef, Director of Continuing Medical Education and In-charge of Human Resource Dr. Rahat Naz, along with other distinguished faculty members of JSMU.
Pro Vice Chancellor of JSMU Professor Dr. Saadia Akram and Registrar of JSMU, Dr. Azam Khan, concluded the session by presenting shields and Ajrak souvenirs to the speakers as tokens of appreciation.
