Dr. Alex Ndyabakira: Leading Kampala's Fight for Cleaner Air

Kampala’s air is thick with more than just dust; it’s burdened by traffic fumes, waste burning, and urban sprawl. For Dr. Alex Ndyabakira, this invisible threat is a pressing public health emergency.

As the Division Medical Officer at KCCA and head of air quality management, Dr. Ndyabakira is instrumental in developing Kampala’s Clean Air Action Plan. He emphasizes that improving health outcomes is impossible without tackling air pollution, a challenge amplified by the fact that Kampala’s air quality, while sometimes meeting national standards, consistently exceeds WHO guidelines by five to seven times.

Initially inspired to become a doctor in his rural home district, Dr. Ndyabakira’s path led him through public health work where he observed how environmental factors, including air pollution, directly impacted community health. His experience responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and later serving as Incident Commander for the Ebola outbreak in Kampala provided critical insights into managing public health crises.

He embraced the challenge of managing Kampala’s air quality when a project needed a leader. “I knew that without addressing air pollution, we would continue treating the same diseases without solving their cause,” he stated. The COVID-19 lockdowns provided a unique opportunity to study the air’s response when human activity decreased, solidifying his conviction.

Dr. Ndyabakira has spearheaded innovative initiatives, including a community-based air quality reporting system using “air quality champions” and mobile technology to make pollution levels visible. He has also worked with journalists to integrate air quality into public discourse. KCCA is upgrading infrastructure with more monitors and promoting cleaner transport, though Dr. Ndyabakira stresses that behavioral change is crucial.

Common pollution sources include traffic, waste burning, unpaved roads, biomass fuel, and industry. He notes that low public awareness, with many viewing pollution as solely a government issue, and the high cost of cleaner alternatives remain significant hurdles. Dr. Ndyabakira believes that sustained public engagement, discipline, and a shift in behavior are essential for progress.

His journey from a rural village to international conferences underscores his commitment to finding solutions for urban health in rapidly growing cities. Dr. Ndyabakira sees air quality not as a secondary concern, but as central to public health.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda) https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/meet-the-doctor-fighting-to-clear-kampala-s-toxic-air-5449686