Radha’s Message for December 2012
Dear friends,
As many of us prepare to gather over a meal with family and friends during holiday and New Year celebrations, we must pause to take stock of shocking new data about the true impact of household air pollution on human health and the environment.
Inside December’s newsletter, you will read about the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study’s findings related to HAP: an estimated 4 million people succumb to diseases and ailments associated with burning solid fuel for cooking – double the figure that researchers previously had estimated. Needless to say, the Alliance will redouble its efforts to act on its mission and reach its goal.
The Alliance Secretariat continues to meet and engage with our donors and partners around the world. I had a series of meetings with Swedish and Finnish donors and partners earlier this month to share our latest work with them, and you’ll read about our recent meetings with stakeholders in Uganda, Kenya, and Bangladesh. Next month, the Alliance will hold a series of consultations and workshops in Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi, India.
I’m pleased to share with you updates on the Alliance’s standards and testing procedures, as well the development of its fuels strategy – two areas critical to the creation of a thriving global market for clean cooking solutions.
In this month’s partner spotlight, Resurge International details their efforts to prevent and treat burns around the world – the majority of which are cooking-related. Their story reminds us that, while the respiratory health and environmental impacts of inefficient cooking are substantial, millions of people live with debilitating burns due to accidents with rudimentary cookstoves and open fires – burns that are largely preventable.
As always, you will read about upcoming Alliance and partner events, media highlights, and our newest Alliance partners – including Mongolia and the Asian Development Bank. Since launching in 2010, the Alliance is now 500 partners strong!
2013 will be an important year for the sector, as we look to results from new research, increased collaboration with our partners, and a successful Forum, which you can also read an update about inside this newsletter.
Happy Holidays and New Year to you and yours,
Radha