Question NW2650 to the Minister of Health
05 October 2018 - NW2650
Kopane, Ms SP to ask the Minister of Health
Whether he will be participating in the upcoming World Health Organization’s First Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 30 October 2018 to 1 November 2018; if not, why not; if so, (a)(i) who will accompany him and (ii) for what purpose in each case and (b) what are the further relevant details of his participation in the conference?
Reply:
Yes.
a) (i) Officials specialising in this area, i.e the Director of Environmental Health Services and the Deputy Director of Environmental Health Services responsible for Climate Change and Air Quality Management programmes in the Department;
(ii) The Director is responsible for air pollution control and Climate Change amongst other programmes in the Department of Health. The Deputy Director is the manager responsible for coordinating the air pollution control, climate change and vector control in the Department.
b) To provide political direction as well as political by-in and accountability in ensuring that there is commitment by South Africa on resolutions taken for implementation. For example, cities and countries will be invited to join the Breath Life Campaign and commit to reducing air pollution by 2030 in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines.
END.