1. Theme: Air Pollution and Health (Working Group Report)
National Workshop on Planning for the GEOHealth Hub for Interdisciplinary Research and Training
Theme: Air Pollution and Health
(Working Group Report)
GEOHealth Hub Planning National Workshop – July 25, 2013

2. Goals and Objectives of the Theme
Main Goals adequate as discussed, but they are not clearly stated
Indoor/Outdoor pollution (scope of the problem and link to health)
Needs and gaps in research/training and policy
New emerging issues
e.g., Plastic Use and/or open burning
Monitoring and Evaluation
GEOHealth Hub Planning National Workshop – July 25, 2013

3. Adequacy of Situational Analysis
Observational information needs to be compiled to reinforce evidence base (e.g., case studies)
Information on vehicular pollution
Policy issues related to high taxation on newer cars need to be discouraged via research
Some research with USA (California) on Addis Ababa needs to be incorporated [Source: Masresha]
True economic cost of importing older vehicles
Morbidity and mortality from health bureau needs to be related to pollution levels
Grey literature from regional universities need to incorporated (e.g., JU from Dr. Abebe)
Emerging issues need to be covered (e.g., nanotechnology)
Electronic waste disposal as an important issue (some research by EPA on four cities)
GEOHealth Hub Planning National Workshop – July 25, 2013

4. Adequacy of Situational Analysis
Causal link of high mortality and morbidity to AP (research agenda) in relation to other confounders
Issue of point sources (e.g., cement factories using old machinery?)
Lack of laboratory facilities to monitor the point sources
Energy sources need to be clearly itemized on the report, even beyond on what has been the research focus
Types of imported machinery as sources of pollution need to be identified through databases (e.g., EPA, Evaluation and Standards)
Sulphur in imported gasoline as an issue
GEOHealth Hub Planning National Workshop – July 25, 2013

5. Adequacy of Needs Assessment
Need for strategic agenda should be expanded upon
Accredited reference labs should be set-up at the national and cluster level (e.g., One for Oromia being set up)
Recommendation for lab facilities to be used by universities for research and training (to create mechanism for doing that)
Alternatively universities need to have their own limited lab for training
Issues about regulation and conflict of interest
Accreditation of labs important for legal framework
Needs assessment should be done for the newly identified areas
Include toxicology and risk assessment in research priority
Push for implementation/enforcement of ambient air pollution standard
Potentially hazardous areas (e.g., dumping areas) as an area of priority
Communication gaps in access to policies and regulations
GEOHealth Hub Planning National Workshop – July 25, 2013

6. Adequacy and Relevance of Report Conclusions
Report will be complete after all issues raised in SA and NA are addressed
Information via observation
Emerging issues
Realistic regulations to realize policies and the constitutional provisions need to be identified
Turf issues between agencies need to be highlighted in conclusions
GEOHealth Hub Planning National Workshop – July 25, 2013

7. Engagement of Stakeholders
Are all appropriate stakeholders engaged?
Are there any overlooked stakeholders?
Ministry of Education
NGOs(GIZ, GAIA)
Municipalities
Industry ministry and Investment Agency
Transport
Were stakeholders fully engaged in the SANA?
GEOHealth Hub Planning National Workshop – July 25, 2013

8. GEOHealth Hub Planning National Workshop – July 25, 2013
Capturing Intra- and inter-agency Co-ordinations in Linking Environment and Health
Co-ordination within agencies
issues already discussed (problem area in need of attention)
Co-ordination between agencies
issues already discussed in relation to role confusion and turf issues
Interface between Academia, Government and Industry
Multiple departments/programs within universities have duplicity of efforts (need efficiency)
GEOHealth Hub Planning National Workshop – July 25, 2013

9. GEOHealth Hub Planning National Workshop – July 25, 2013
Issues with Capacity
Have proper assessment been done on human and infrastructure capacity?
Distinguishing between institutional, system and personal capacity
Have proper recommendations been made on capacity building?
Specific recommendations on identified needs (e.g., on job training in targeted areas)
Proper recognition of lack of awareness on needs for training (creating forums for dissemination)
Curriculum recommendations for training based on identified needs (reversal of closing programs!)
GEOHealth Hub Planning National Workshop – July 25, 2013

10. Policy, regulation, Organizational Issues
Have all relevant policies been identified?
Look at policies in context of international standards and policies
Is the analysis of the broader regulatory framework accurate?
Analysis should be in the context of international standards
Protocols into which Ethiopia is signatory of need to be discussed
Need for adapting international guidelines to the Ethiopian (and regional) setting
Need for indoor air pollution standard (is it possible?)
Communication gap in knowledge about policies
Any key gaps in implementation and enforcement?
Need specific recommendations for implementation and enforcement guidelines
GEOHealth Hub Planning National Workshop – July 25, 2013

11. Remaining Steps, Ways Forward
Dissemination: communicating findings to the major stakeholders at a very high level
Work towards reversal of dissolution of Environmental Health department at MOH through scientific evidence
Proper recognition of lack of awareness on needs for training (creating forums for dissemination)
Curriculum recommendations for training based on identified needs (reversal of closing programs!)
Clear mandate on monitoring and regulation
Recommendation for clear implementation framework
GEOHealth Hub Planning National Workshop – July 25, 2013