Identifying Policy Priorities for Tobacco Control and Improving Air Quality (IPPTA)

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with a particularly high burden in South and Southeast Asia. Tobacco use and air pollution are among the most significant and preventable risk factors contributing to this burden. Despite existing policies, implementation gaps and limited stakeholder engagement continue to hinder effective action in many countries.

The IPPTA study aims to engage key stakeholders in four RESPIRE countries to identify and prioritise policy actions for tobacco control and improving air quality across Asia. Through a three staged study in each country –a scoping review, stakeholder consultation and survey– the project will generate context-specific insights into policy gaps, implementation challenges and opportunities for action.

The findings will inform future research, support evidence-based policy development and strengthen multi-stakeholder efforts to reduce exposure to key respiratory risk factors in low- and middle-income settings.

Publications

Current landscape and future directions of policies addressing air quality improvement in Pakistan: a scoping review

Zahid M, Baig RT, Fatima H, Mahmood H, Shakeel P, Khan A, Fernandes G, Soofi S, Yusuf OM, Ariff S, Bauld L; RESPIRE collaboration.