Poor air aiding preterm births, respiratory diseases in Nairobi

According to the WHO, air pollution is responsible for 8 million deaths annually, with 4.2 million attributed to outdoor pollution and 3.8 million caused by indoor pollution. [iStockphoto]

Over 60 per cent of the 3,000 patients seen daily at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Nairobi suffer from upper respiratory tract diseases, according to the hospital's Chief Executive Officer Martin Wafula.

Speaking on Friday during the launch of an air quality monitoring station at the hospital, Dr Wafula emphasised the urgent need to address air pollution in the city.