ABOUT RESPIRA
RESPIRA is an international network of academic and non-academic stakeholders dedicated to action-research to mitigate air pollution on the African continent. Our mission is to create a community hub where members can collaborate to develop evidence-based solutions to air pollution challenges in Africa. Our team of experts works closely together with local communities, governments, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable development and improve air quality for all Africans. Join our community today and help us make a positive impact on the environment and public health.
What we do
ACTION RESEARCH TO MITIGATE AIR POLLUTION
RESPIRA focuses on research, capacity building, and advocacy. We work closely together with our members to develop and implement evidence-based solutions to air pollution challenges in Africa. Our team of experts conducts research to identify the causes and effects of air pollution and develop strategies to mitigate its impact. We also provide training and capacity building to local communities, governments, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable development and more resilient futures across the African continent. We equally advocate for policies and actions that protect public health and the environment. Join our community today and help us make a positive impact on the environment and public health.
Our Core Team
At RESPIRA, we take great pride in our dynamic and highly skilled team that is at the forefront of creating a healthier and more equitable world. Our core members play a pivotal role in driving our strategic decision-making and overseeing the efficient management of our organization. With a strong focus on science-driven interventions, we are dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of air pollution on the African continent.
Dr. Nick Rahier
RESPIRA Coordinator
Prof. Lawrence Esho
RESPIRA Associate (Kenya)
Prof. Patrick Develtere
RESPIRA President
Dr. Joseph Kedogo
RESPIRA Associate (Kenya)
Dr. Pleuntje Jellema
RESPIRA Associate (Belgium)
Dr. Ihsane Gryech
RESPIRA Associate (Morocco)
Nakuru RESPIRA Declaration 2023
In April 2023, a consortium of experts from Belgium, Morocco, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo convened in Nakuru, Kenya, for the inaugural stakeholder meeting of RESPIRA. A significant outcome of this collaborative session was the formulation of the Nakuru RESPIRA Declaration.
This stakeholder meeting received support from:
NAKURU RESPIRA DECLARATION: TACKLING CHRONIC RESPIRATORY DISEASES IN AFRICA
Background
Worldwide 250 to 300 million people suffer from asthma. An equivalent number of people suffer from other chronic respiratory diseases (CRD). From asthma alone, more than 450,000 people die every year, 80% of which are from the Global South. In Africa, the magnitude of the burden is underestimated because CRDs are often under-diagnosed, mis-diagnosed, under treated or mistreated.
The global community is insufficiently aware of the deadly effects of the increasing burden of outdoor and indoor air pollution. Few realize that pollution kills three times as many people as AIDS, TB and malaria combined.
Still, clean air is a priceless public good without borders. No other resource exhibits the same degree of “publicness". Therefore, collective action is urgently needed to tackle the twin phenomenon of increased air pollution and CRDs.
In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, this collective action should address the right of men, women and children all over the world to clean air and a positive healthy life by 2030: SDG 3 good health and wellbeing; SDG 7 affordable and clean energy; SDG 11 sustainable cities and communities. SDG 3 calls to reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases – such as CRD - through prevention and treatment. SDG 3 also sets the ambition to reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
Aim and Mission
RESPIRA aims to be an international and multi-stakeholder network of higher learning institutions, civil society, private sector and local communities. We are open and willing to collaborate with national and local authorities with a common vision on addressing the aforementioned challenges.
RESPIRA’s vision is to ensure clean air and better health for everyone.
The mission of RESPIRA is to develop sustainable, tailor-made and concrete solutions to the increasing burden of chronic respiratory diseases in Africa.
Statement of Declaration
RESPIRA commits to initiate and support local, regional and international action-oriented research initiatives and appropriate responses in close collaboration with stakeholders.
RESPIRA was initiated to be an open trans-disciplinary network.
RESPIRA is a forum for generating as well as sharing of knowledge and experience in fields as diverse as pollution control, data collection and monitoring, health seeking behaviour, healthy building environment, public health and adequate medical services in relation to CRDs.
This agenda was first formulated on the occasion of the first international RESPIRA conference co-organised by KU Leuven (Belgium) and Egerton University (Nakuru) and hosted at Egerton in Njoro from 16th to 23rd April 2023. The conference brought together scholars, religious and civil society organisations, private sector, media and local authorities. The participants were drawn from Kenya, South Africa, Morocco, Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Belgium.