In the ongoing battle for global health, the National Program on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) emerges as a beacon of hope, advocating the cause of environmental sustainability and public well-being. The initiative lies a steadfast commitment to confronting the complex interplay between environmental factors and human health, particularly the detrimental effects of air pollution. Air pollution stands as a global threat to human health, infusing our urban landscapes and penetrating even to the remotest corners of our country. The pollutants emitted from vehicular exhausts, industrial emissions, agricultural practices, and natural sources constitute a toxic brew that compromises the quality of the air we breathe. Particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, etc. are the key pollutants implicated in respiratory ailments, cardiovascular diseases, and a myriad of other health disorders. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, bear the brunt of this burden, perpetuating health disparities and exacerbating inequities.

In response to the urgent need for action, NPCCHH adopts a comprehensive and integrated approach to address air-related illnesses and their environmental determinants. NPCCHH recognizes the pivotal role of community engagement in effecting meaningful change and building resilience against environmental health threats. Through targeted outreach programs, education campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives, NPCCHH empowers communities to take ownership of their health and environment.

India faces a challenge in mitigating the adverse health effects of air pollution, with rapidly urbanizing cities experiencing alarming levels of particulate matter and harmful pollutants. In response, the Indian government has launched the Integrated Health Information Portal (IHIP) as a comprehensive platform to monitor, analyze, and address public health issues due to air pollution. By integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies into the IHIP portal, India can enhance its capabilities in understanding, managing, and mitigating the impact of air pollution on human health.

The incorporation of AIML into the IHIP portal offers several strategic advantages in tackling air pollution-related health concerns. Firstly, AI algorithms can analyze datasets of air quality measurements, meteorological data, and health records to identify patterns, correlations, and trends. By leveraging predictive modeling techniques, the IHIP portal can forecast the health risks associated with air pollution exposure, enabling healthcare authorities to implement targeted interventions, allocate resources efficiently, and develop early warning systems to protect vulnerable populations. Leveraging this insight, targeted awareness campaigns, community-based initiatives, and citizen science projects can be designed to foster public participation, advocacy, and collective action towards addressing air pollution and safeguarding public health. Moreover, AIML enables data-driven policymaking to address health issue due to air pollution challenges comprehensively. Through evidence-based policymaking, the IHIP portal empowers policymakers to enact stringent regulations, incentivize sustainable practices, and foster multi-stakeholder collaborations to combat air pollution and protect human health in India.

In conclusion, the integration of AIML technologies into the IHIP portal offers a transformative opportunity to enhance air quality management efforts in India. By leveraging predictive modeling, real-time monitoring, personalized healthcare interventions, public engagement, and evidence-based policymaking, the IHIP portal can serve as a powerful tool to address the adverse health effects of air pollution and promote environmental sustainability. Through innovation and collaboration, India can harness the power of AIML to build healthier, cleaner, and more resilient communities for its citizens.

NCDC; SSRN