Government Institutions Sign MoU to Execute Multi-sectoral Action Plan on Air Pollution

​​​​​​Addis Ababa December 18/2024 (ENA)—Numerous government institutions have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to implement a comprehensive Multi-sectoral Action Plan on Air Pollution.

Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Ministry of Health, Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Water and Energy and Ethiopian Metrology Institute have signed the MoU.

During a multispectral signing ceremony of the MoU and advocacy workshop on EU-Health and pollution project results, State Minister of Health Dr. Dereje Duguma noted that it is a new milestone for Ethiopia as sectors come together from different areas at federal and regional levels and also from partners to show solidarity and commitment to the fight against air pollution.

“It is really a significant milestone for Ethiopia where pertinent sectors come together in the fight against air pollution,” he said.

The Action Plan has come at a critical juncture as air pollution has been resulting in far-reaching consequences on human and animal health as well as on the environment in general, the state minister affirmed.

“A multi-sectoral action plan shows our solidarity, our commitments, and our strong partnership and of course our collective response on one of the threats of this globe, air pollution,” he stated.

For the state minister, the multi-sectoral action plan of air pollution and health will be an important initiative that will leverage the activities especially from the health sector.

The signing of this MoU will further solidify our joint action and enhance mobilizing more resources to tackle air pollution in Ethiopia, he pointed out.

Director General of Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Lelise Neme said for her part that air pollution has become one of the most pressing global environmental crises impacting not only human health but also biodiversity, and economic development.

She stressed the need for sustainable and long-term solutions through the collaboration effort of government, development partners, and various stakeholders.

In this regard, Lelise further underscored EPA is proactively engaging in enforcing environmental laws, raising public awareness, collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment for all Ethiopians. 

With the support of UNDP and the European Union, the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and various government institutions, has conducted a comprehensive study on air pollution and its effect on public health.

As a result, the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority in collaboration with pertinent stakeholders has developed the five-year Multi-sectoral Action Plan on Air Pollution and Health in Ethiopia, it was indicated. 

During the occasion, representatives of other signatory institutions also reaffirmed their commitment to working in close collaboration for the realization of the action plan.