Vietnam’s air pollution emergency poses a serious public health crisis. During 2023, the PM2.5 concentration in Hanoi averaged at 43.7 µg/m³, far above the WHO-recommended level of 10 µg/m³. This air pollution contributes to more than 60,000 deaths per year nationwide, most due to heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia. The economic impact is also high, and air pollution is said to cost Vietnam between 5% to 7% of its GDP, or about US$11–16 billion annually. Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing sicknesses are most at risk. Hospitals across major cities see more cases of respiratory illnesses during high-pollution days. The government has pledged to cut down pollution through the adoption of electric cars and tighter environmental regulations, but drastic action for sustained periods must be taken to ensure public health and the economy.
Pray for wise counsel for the authorities to devise effective and creative solutions to control air pollution in Vietnam. Pray for more stringent environmental policies to control air pollution in the country (The Holy Bible, Job 12:13).
Pray for divine protection for all the people in Vietnam from air pollution and the health problems it creates. Pray for improved public health and the country’s economy (The Holy Bible, Exodus 15:26).
News Source: Vietnam News, Mission Sources
Image Source: Canva
