Advancing indoor environmental quality in African countries: A call to action for awareness, research, and policy

critical determinant of health, well-being, and productivity. However, African countries remain underrepresented in IEQ research, policy, and advocacy, despite facing unique challenges such as energy poverty, reliance
on biomass fuels, inadequate building practices, poor ventilation, overheating, inadequate lighting, and pervasive noise pollution. These conditions increase health risks and compromise learning, working, and living
environments.
This paper highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to IEQ in Africa, addressing not only
indoor air pollution but also thermal discomfort from rising temperatures, insufficient indoor lighting, and
chronic exposure to harmful noise levels. It introduces the "Promoting IEQ and IAQ in Africa" initiative launched
by the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ), which aims to foster research collaboration, raise awareness, support context-specific solutions, and influence policy development tailored to Africa’s
diverse climates and socio-economic realities. By aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs), this initiative advocates healthier and more sustainable indoor environments across the continent.
This paper serves as a call to action for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to work together to advance
IEQ research, innovation, and advocacy for African communities.