Working Group Report Back
Priority 1.3: Develop and
disseminate prevention tools and
raise awareness for the
elimination of ARDs
Chair: Ken Takahashi
Rapporteurs: Salma Burton,
Claudina Nogueira
Measurable Key Outcomes 2012
• Training video for health and hygiene experts on
prevention of asbestos-related diseases [in
English] (completed) JAPAN – to be posted for
e-access
• Compilation of National Profiles (NPEAD) in
multiple countries – collaborate with PAHO on
Regional Atlas
Measurable Key Outcomes 2012
• Increase in number of countries supported by
WHOCCs to ratify ILO Convention N.162.
(currently 28) - through their awareness-raising
activities, particularly on the regulatory control of
chrysotile asbestos. Countries which have
ratified the convention are urged to share
information on process and progress, for the
benefit of other countries.
Measurable Key Outcomes 2012
• Review of estimates of current and future
burden of disease for all ARDs to be used
as support documentation for ratification
(which can be peer-reviewed by
WHOCCs) and assist with policy
development . Countries to develop their
own national estimates, and include cost
analysis.
Gaps to be addressed
• Lack of updated information and data about
asbestos exposure (direct and indirect) – e.g.
magnitude and number / types of workers
affected - and about ARDs.
• There are insufficient job exposure matrices these should be developed in collaboration with
environmental and public health institutions.
(Utilize NPEAD which address important
information related to asbestos use).
Gaps to be addressed
• Limited data on the effectiveness of preventive
measures
– to provide models of effective interventions
– look to PAHO Regional Atlas for guidelines
– consider cost effectiveness analysis as an
important component of substitution /
elimination / control measures / disposal
– Organization of practical tools in one place for
use by others, e.g. data repository. Consider
using existing resources
Gaps to be addressed
• Currently there is no project for Area 3: Tertiary
Prevention:
– develop, promote, share schemes for just
compensation of ARDs
– manage treatment of asbestosis
Barriers and solutions
• Consider addition of new projects (with no links
to commercial interests) from WHOCCs to help
address gaps:
- NEW from FUNDACENTRO, Brazil: Lung
function decline among former asbestos
workers; and mortality study.
- NEW from Ukraine: Work environment
measurements and ARDs in asbestos cement
production.
- NEW from Korea: Surveillance of asbestosrelated lung cancer.
Barriers and solutions
• NEW from ICOH: Scientific Committee on
Respiratory Disorders – position paper on
prevention strategies to be distributed after
ICOH clearance.
• NEW Asbestos awareness-raising in the Asian
Pacific Region
• PAHO Link: Asbestos Regional Atlas
• Cross-referencing with projects outside Priority
1.3 will contribute to addressing gaps
Barriers and solutions
• Lack of political will
• Industry counter-lobby
Long term deliverables (20132016)
• Contribute to increasing the number of countries
establishing and implementing NPEAD – at least
15-20 countries.
• Sufficient capacity (legislation, regulatory
control, preventive measures, worker
awareness) built for the three levels of
prevention in all countries with substantial
asbestos exposure, with a special focus on
developing countries.
Communication and Reportable
Outcomes
• Awareness-raising through international
meetings, workshops, publications and data
sharing.
• Use of specific portals.
• Working with ministries and convening regional
meetings to showcase asbestos work being
carried out by the WHOCCs.
Communication and Reportable
Outcomes
• Regional meetings facilitated by WHO HQ and
Regional Offices, highlighting WHO CC work
and involving other stakeholders (e.g. UN
agencies and NGOs), as currently planned for
Asian Pacific area (December 2009, Thailand)
Communication - General
• Assistance is required for the electronic redesignation process as many glitches have been
experienced with the submission of applications
on-line.
Communication and Reportable
Outcomes
• Regional Offices to assist project leaders and
WHOCC for direct liaison with government
ministries and WHO Country Offices to obtain
data and records which are crucial for the
implementation of their projects.
• The Responsible Officer for the particular region
is a key player in assisting and supporting the
WHOCC in carrying out their projects.