3rd March 2025
To help raise awareness of the health visitor’s role in tackling air pollution, we are delighted to share the recording of our exclusive interview with Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah which was held at our iHV Leadership Conference on 4 December 2024. We have made the recording of this conference session open-access to raise awareness of the topic – help us spread the word that “clean air matters”!
Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah CBE is a globally recognised advocate for clean air and is a powerful voice in the air pollution debate. Rosamund started campaigning after her daughter, Ella, tragically died at the age of nine of a fatal asthma attack. Following an inquest, the coroner ruled the cause of Ella’s death to be air pollution. Ella is the first and only person to have air pollution as the cause of death on her death certificate.
Ella’s life mattered and it was cruelly cut short because of where she lived and the air that she breathed – she had no choice! At the iHV we stand with Rosamund in advocating for change to ensure that Ella is not forgotten and her legacy drives lasting change.
Rosamund founded The Ella Roberta Foundation which is a charity dedicated to campaigning for clean air, established in memory of Ella.
Rosamund, Ella’s mum said:
“We believe in a world where everyone can breathe air that is free from toxic pollution, regardless of where they live, their economic status or their ethnic background”
Rosamund’s determination to highlight the human cost of air pollution has led to her addressing audiences all over the world and we were very humbled to have Rosamund join us as a keynote speaker at our iHV Leadership Conference.
Rosamund is calling for a public health campaign to raise awareness of the impact of air pollution on our children’s health. Here is what you can do to help:
- Raise awareness about the impact of air pollution on health, especially for children and vulnerable groups, and encourage local action to reduce pollution.
- Understand your target audience, for example: Parents, schools, healthcare professionals, local policymakers, commissioners, Health boards and local MPs.
- Define your key messages such as:
- “Air pollution is an invisible threat – but its impact on our health is real.”
- “Children are most at risk – let’s protect their right to breathe clean air.”
- “Small changes lead to big impact – switch off engines, walk or cycle, support green initiatives.”
- “We need policies that put health first – clean air is a right, not a privilege.”
- Campaign activities & strategy: for example, community engagement events, media campaigns, and petitions for clean air policies.
- Access training on the impact of air pollution. At the iHV we are currently working on resources and training to support health visiting practitioner’s conversations with families on air pollution – discussing the public health aspects and its impact on health. Booking details will be published in the spring.
- Measure success: For example, tracking social media engagement, attendance at events, community feedback/surveys and monitoring policy changes.
- Sustain impact:
- Create a “Clean Air Community Task Force” to keep the conversation going.
- Continue collaborating with local businesses, schools, and healthcare providers.
- Plan an annual clean air awareness week to keep momentum.
Our exclusive interview with Rosamund is part of our ongoing commitment to bringing high-profile speakers with lived experience to our conferences, ensuring that real stories drive real change.
Join us at our next iHV Evidence-based Practice Conference ‘Healthier Beginnings’ in Manchester on 8 May. This conference will showcase the latest health visiting research, evidence, clinical expertise and lived experiences, equipping practitioners with newfound knowledge and skills to ensure that all babies and children have a healthy beginning to their life.
