International Day of Clean Air: Lessons from Rotary Cancer Run

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OPINION

By Elizabeth Kiconco

Annually, on September 7, we commemorate the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, a reminder to improve air quality and safeguard human and environmental health. 

This year, Uganda has a powerful story to share. At the Rotary Cancer run 2025, a well-loved event that brought thousands together for the fight against cancer, an air quality monitor ran the race too. 

Frank Gramsen Kizza, a public health researcher with the African Centre for Clean Air (ACCA), carried an Atmotube PRO sensor to measure PM2.5. These are tiny air particles that are 2.5 micrometres or smaller in diameter, and are small enough to enter deep into the lungs and even penetrate into the bloodstream. Research shows that exposure to PM2.5 can significantly increase the risk of asthma, heart disease, poor pregnancy outcomes, and even cancer, the very illness that the run is fighting against.

What the sensor found

• Before the run, air pollution was relatively low at 24.3 µg/m³.
• During the run, pollution levels rose to an average of 43.5 µg/m³, 3 times above the WHO safe limit. In Kamwokya, they spiked to 140 µg/m³ (9 times the limit), likely due to high traffic and dust along Kira road.
• After the run (Kololo Grounds): Pollution worsened, averaging 73.3 µg/m³ (5 times above the limit). At one point, it reached a staggering 812.6 µg/m³, which is 54 times higher than the WHO safe limit. This was likely due to cooking smoke, grills, and dust at the celebration grounds.

Why this is a cause for concern

High air pollution is especially dangerous for runners. They breathe faster and deeper, which can allow more pollutants to enter their lungs.

Furthermore, for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, expectant mothers and people with existing health conditions, risks are even higher.

Frank said, “Running the Rotary Cancer Run 2025 was an incredible experience! The event was well organised, with smooth traffic control and carefully managed routes. Although a few areas, like Kamwokya, had higher pollution likely due to traffic, the overall atmosphere was really inspiring.” “The lively post-race celebrations also reminded us how quickly air quality can be affected by human activity. This run wasn’t just about fitness; it was also about raising cancer awareness. It is important to recognise how air pollution contributes to lung cancer. Breathing in clean air is very important for our health,” he added.

What can we do differently?

Events like the Rotary Cancer Run can become even healthier by rethinking how we manage air quality:

1. Select routes away from heavy traffic and dusty roads, and with plenty of trees.
2. At designated food stations, use improved cookstoves, briquettes, or electric cookers in well-ventilated areas, away from the crowds.
3. Encourage mass transit, car-pooling, or even electric shuttles such as the Kayoola EVS to reduce traffic emissions.
4. Share and use real-time air quality data. One can use the Airqo app or the KCCA air quality monitoring network to check the levels of air pollution in their neighbourhood.
5. Sensitise participants about clean air and health during community events.

International Day for Clean Air and Blue Skies

The Rotary Cancer Run showed us that some invisible dangers, like polluted air, can undermine the very causes we are fighting for. As Uganda joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, let us remember that breathing in clean air is a human right. Each of us has a role to play in protecting this right. Simple changes, from choosing cleaner cooking to rerouting runs, can protect people’s health.

This work was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the African Centre for Clean Air (ACCA) and the Open AQ Ambassador Program.

The writer is the Communications Officer, ACCA

Open AQ Ambassador 2025