Pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change are described as the ‘Triple Threat’. Pollution is responsible for over nine million deaths annually; 90% occurring in ODA-eligible countries. The Environmental Pollution Programme works in partnership in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa to mitigate, manage and reduce chemical, waste and air pollution.  

Challenge

Environmental pollution is a major driver of climate change, biodiversity loss and human ill health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Gaps in information regarding pollutant sources, pathways and impacts across air, chemical and waste pollution, alongside limited monitoring constrain the ability of governments to prioritise interventions, enforce policy and assess risks, especially where pollution sources are diffuse, rapidly changing or poorly characterised. 

In addition, there is a lack of accessible, context-specific evidence on effective and scalable alternatives to polluting practices. The programme therefore addresses the challenge of generating policy-relevant evidence and developing practical, locally appropriate solutions and policy recommendations that can reduce pollution exposure and support sustainable development.

Insight

The programme addresses these challenges through a systems-based approach that combines evidence generation, stakeholder engagement training and practical intervention. Across South Africa, Vietnam and Uganda, work has focused on improving understanding of pollution sources, pathways and impacts; developing and testing sustainable alternatives; building capacity through targeted training and awareness raising and strengthening monitoring to underpin robust decision making and policy. 

Co-developed interventions such as nature-based waste management solutions, integrated pest management and alternatives to open burning have demonstrated measurable reductions in pollution and improvements in livelihoods. The programme has also shown that accessible tools such as pollution models, hotspot mapping and decision-support frameworks can improve policy relevance when developed with end users. 

A key insight is that evidence alone is insufficient without effective translation and alignment with local priorities. Co-design with stakeholders, targeted training and awareness activities and sustained engagement with government and intermediary organisations have been essential for impact. This has been strengthened by governmental involvement in regional fora and development of a Health and Pollution Action Plan.  

Overall, the programme demonstrates that integrated approaches can simultaneously reduce pollution exposure, strengthen community resilience and support climate and biodiversity outcomes. 

Collaboration

The programme is delivered through a strong, multi-level partnership model involving government, academia, multilateral organisations and community stakeholders. Core delivery partners have included the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution, working with in-country organisations, research institutions and civil society groups. 

Collaboration with national and local government bodies, including environmental agencies and research commissions, has been essential for aligning activities with policy priorities and supporting long-term uptake. Academic partners have contributed technical expertise, methodological development and independent evaluation, strengthening the credibility of outputs. 

Community-based organisations and local stakeholders have played a central role in co-designing and implementing interventions, ensuring that solutions are context-specific and socially acceptable. Cross-programme engagement, including workshops, symposia and regional forums, has enabled knowledge exchange and the development of interdisciplinary networks. These partnerships have been critical to generating relevant evidence, supporting implementation and creating a foundation for sustained impact beyond the programme lifetime. 

Impact

The programme has delivered measurable environmental, health and socio-economic impacts across partner countries. Interventions have contributed to reductions in pollution exposure through changes in practices such as waste management, integrated pest management and the reduction of open burning. These changes have been supported by increased awareness and capacity among communities and local institutions, leading to more sustainable behaviours and improved ownership of solutions. 

The programme has strengthened the evidence base for decision making, with outputs such as hotspot mapping, modelling and Health and Pollution Action Planning (HPAP) informing national and sub-national priorities. Engagement with government and intermediary organisations has supported the uptake of tools and approaches within planning processes, increasing the likelihood of sustained impact beyond the programme lifecycle. 

Impacts include improved livelihoods linked to more sustainable practices, and co-benefits for climate and biodiversity through integrated approaches. Overall, the programme demonstrates that combining evidence generation, capacity building and stakeholder engagement can deliver practical, scalable solutions with lasting benefits for human and environmental health.