EPA and WHO Sign Memorandum With New Actions to Protect Human Health
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization recently signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with new actions for protecting human health and the environment.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the intimate links between humans and our environment,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, in a written statement.
The memorandum outlines goals for the next five years to advance new areas of cooperation aimed at sharing priorities around issues such as the disproportionate impact of environmental challenges on underserved and vulnerable communities. Priorities include focusing on clean air and safe drinking water, and protecting children by reducing exposure to toxic substances like lead-based paint.
Nearly 24% of all global deaths and 28% of deaths among children under five are linked to the environment, with the greatest disease burden in low- and middle-income countries, according to WHO data.
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