Essential knowledge

This toolkit is a comprehensive set of materials exploring different air pollution and health topics. Developed under a global perspective, it can serve different types of audiences within the health sectors while taking into account the variety of roles within the public health workforce. The toolkit aims to provide health workers with the knowledge and tools necessary to understand and address the health effects of air pollution and mitigate risks by effectively engaging with patients, individuals and communities, while advocating for clean air interventions.  
 
The toolkit was built around the concept of train-the-trainer, which means trainees are enabled to become trainers and educate peers and communities. Pilot tested in different fora and settings including in-person WHO workshops held in Ghana in 2022 and in Rwanda in 2024 in collaboration with the related Ministries of Health, this toolkit allows participants to engage in comprehensive, distributive learning of knowledge and skills, enabling them to effectively train others. Key health professionals were invited to join a series of events to pilot the training materials and actively contribute to the finalization of the toolkit elements. 
 
Equipping health workers with strengthened or new knowledge and skills on air pollution is critical to fostering individual and community awareness, inspiring effective clean air policy actions, and safeguarding against the adverse health effects of air pollution. 

The toolkit comprises:

• An online self-paced course to boost your knowledge and skills
• A package of training modules – slide decks with detailed text notes including references
• A training manual using a train-the-trainer approach to allow you to become a trainer and disseminate the knowledge
• Advocacy, communication and outreach materials 

• describe what are the main air pollutants and their sources;
• describe how humans are exposed to air pollutants;
• explain the main health effects of air pollution and the pathogenetic mechanisms through which air pollutants undermine people’s health;
• recognize the health benefits of both ambient and household air pollution interventions at the public, the household and individual level;
• outline the leading role health workers can play to address air pollution and health issues with individuals, patients, and communities. 

The target audience for this toolkit is public health workers and representatives of the Ministries of Health. The public health workforce encompasses a range of different occupations, spanning both the health sector and other sectors, rather than representing a single profession. Categories can be summarized as follow:

• Core group of public health professionals who have received formal training and/or are registered with professional bodies in public health, coming from either health-related or other backgrounds.
• Health and care workers who support one or more public health functions through their clinical or social care responsibilities.
• A broad range of allied personnel involved in addressing health determinants, such as those working in water and sanitation, food supply chains, and road safety.  

The training modules as part of the air pollution and health training toolkit were developed in collaboration with over 30 experts from government agencies, WHO collaborating centres, academic institutions, and non-state actors. To ensure a global perspective WHO prioritized geographical and gender balance. The process began with a mapping exercise of existing training opportunities to identify gaps, followed by expert-led definition of outlines and content creation for the modules.

The content is based on relevant WHO and UN publications, guidance and tools as part of the implementation of WHO's Global Air Quality Guidelines. All resources were selected based on geographical diversity and relevance to the respective module. Recognizing that local contexts vary, all modules are designed as flexible resources; users are encouraged to select specific slides, adapt statistics, and modify photos to suit their local or regional needs.

Before finalization, each module underwent multiple rounds of internal and external peer review. The materials were specifically designed to enable participants to become trainers themselves.

To validate this approach, the toolkit was pilot-tested in real-world settings, including in-person workshops in Ghana (2022) and Rwanda (2024). Feedback collected from these sessions, along with input from the pilot workshop reports, directly informed the finalization of the content.

As with all WHO training materials, the methodology includes a commitment to continuous quality improvement. Future updates will be based on ongoing learner feedback and the evolving landscape of clean air and public health.

Contributors to each module are acknowledged in each respective product. All external experts submitted to WHO a declaration of interest disclosing potential conflicts of interest that might affect, or might reasonably be perceived to affect, their objectivity and independence in relation to the subject matter of this guidance. WHO reviewed each of the declarations and concluded that none could give rise to a potential or reasonably perceived conflict of interest related to the subjects discussed at the meeting or covered by the guidance.