Investigating the impact of air pollution on chronic disease in people living with HIV

    Press/Media: Expert comment

    Description

    Globally, air pollution is a leading cause of illness and mortality. In sub-Saharan Africa, it accounts for 5% of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), with the impact likely even greater for people living with HIV (PLHIV), and other high-risk populations.

    Period14 Apr 2025

    Media contributions

    1

    Media contributions

    • TitleInvestigating the impact of air pollution on chronic disease in people living with HIV
      Degree of recognitionInternational
      Media name/outlethttps://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/stories/impact-air-pollution-chronic-disease-hiv/
      Media typeWeb
      Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
      Date14/04/25
      DescriptionGlobally, air pollution is a leading cause of illness and mortality. In sub-Saharan Africa, it accounts for 5% of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), with the impact likely even greater for people living with HIV (PLHIV), and other high-risk populations.

      Our researchers are uncovering how air pollution exacerbates chronic diseases in people living with HIV (PLHIV), informing interventions to reduce health risks in Kenya and beyond.
      Health challenges for people living with HIV
      Kenya has 1.4 million PLHIV, with 17,000 new infections annually. While 94% of these individuals receive treatment, they remain at heightened risk of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular and respiratory disease, diabetes and mental health conditions. They also face increased susceptibility to tuberculosis and pneumonia - risks that air pollution may intensify.
      Understanding the impact of air pollution on these health outcomes is critical to developing strategies that mitigate risks and improve long-term wellbeing.
      Producer/AuthorFaculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
      URLhttps://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/stories/impact-air-pollution-chronic-disease-hiv/
      PersonsObuks Ejohwomu

    Keywords

    • Global Health
    • HIV
    • pollution
    • LMICs