Impact of Indoor Air Pollution on Child Health in South Sudan

Overview of Indoor Air Pollution and Child Health

Indoor air pollution (IAP) poses a significant threat to the health of children, particularly in developing nations like South Sudan. The primary sources of indoor air pollution include the burning of biomass fuels such as wood, charcoal, and dung, which are commonly used for cooking and heating. These practices contribute to the emission of harmful particulate matter and toxic gases, leading to respiratory infections among vulnerable populations, especially children under five years of age (Lado et al., 2025).

Children are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of IAP due to their developing respiratory systems, which are more sensitive to pollutants compared to adults. Research has indicated that exposure to indoor air pollutants can exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma, and can be a primary contributing factor to respiratory infections (Lado et al., 2025). In South Sudan, where access to clean cooking energy is virtually nonexistent, the reliance on biomass fuels creates a hazardous indoor environment that significantly elevates the risk of respiratory diseases among children.

Major Causes of Respiratory Infections in Children

Respiratory infections are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age in South Sudan. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 500,000 children die each year due to pneumonia, with many of these cases linked to indoor air pollution (Lado et al., 2025). Several factors contribute to the high incidence of respiratory infections in this demographic:

1. Pollution from Biomass Fuels: The combustion of wood and other biomass fuels releases fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other harmful pollutants that can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to infections and other respiratory diseases.

2. Poor Ventilation: Most households in South Sudan lack adequate ventilation systems, which exacerbates the accumulation of indoor air pollutants, further increasing the risk of respiratory infections among children.

3. Malnutrition: Nutritional deficiencies weaken children’s immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections. The high prevalence of malnutrition in South Sudan compounds the effects of air pollution on child health.

4. Socioeconomic Factors: Families with limited financial resources often resort to using low-quality fuels for cooking, which increases their exposure to harmful pollutants (Lado et al., 2025). Additionally, lack of access to healthcare facilities means that many children do not receive timely treatment for respiratory infections.

5. Crowded Living Conditions: High population density and overcrowded living environments increase the likelihood of disease transmission, particularly respiratory infections, which can spread rapidly in such conditions.

The Role of Cooking Location in Respiratory Illness

The location where cooking is conducted plays a pivotal role in determining children’s exposure to indoor air pollution. According to the South Sudan Household Health Survey, a significant percentage of families cook indoors, often in poorly ventilated spaces, which contributes to the accumulation of harmful smoke and pollutants (Lado et al., 2025).

Cooking Locations and Health Outcomes

Table 1 summarizes the relationship between cooking locations and the incidence of respiratory infections among children under five in South Sudan.

As seen in Table 1, cooking in poorly ventilated areas significantly increases the risk of respiratory infections among children. The use of biomass fuels in these locations exacerbates the situation, as harmful emissions are trapped indoors, leading to prolonged exposure.

Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Child Health in South Sudan

Several socioeconomic factors contribute to the health status of children in South Sudan, particularly in relation to indoor air pollution:

1. Income Levels: Families with lower income are more likely to use biomass fuels for cooking, as they cannot afford cleaner energy alternatives. This reliance on biomass increases the likelihood of indoor air pollution and subsequent respiratory infections.

2. Education: The education level of mothers and heads of households significantly affects health outcomes. Educated parents are more likely to be aware of the health risks associated with indoor air pollution and may take steps to mitigate exposure.

3. Access to Healthcare: Limited access to healthcare facilities means that many families are unable to seek medical attention for respiratory infections, leading to higher rates of morbidity and mortality among children.

4. Household Size: Larger household sizes can increase the exposure to indoor air pollution, as more people cooking and living in close quarters result in higher concentrations of harmful pollutants.

5. Cultural Practices: Cultural norms surrounding cooking practices may also influence the choice of cooking locations and fuel types, impacting children’s health.

Strategies to Mitigate Indoor Air Pollution and Improve Health

To address the pressing issue of indoor air pollution and its impact on child health in South Sudan, several strategies can be implemented:

1. Promotion of Clean Cooking Technologies: Introducing affordable clean cooking solutions, such as biogas or solar cookers, can significantly reduce indoor air pollution levels. Government incentives and subsidies can help families transition to cleaner energy sources.

2. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating communities about the health risks associated with indoor air pollution and promoting safe cooking practices can enhance awareness and encourage behavioral change.

3. Improving Ventilation: Encouraging families to improve ventilation in their homes, such as installing chimneys or cooking outdoors when possible, can help reduce indoor air pollution levels.

4. Access to Healthcare: Strengthening healthcare systems to ensure that families have access to timely medical care for respiratory infections can help reduce morbidity and mortality rates among children.

5. Research and Policy Development: Conducting further research on the health impacts of indoor air pollution and formulating policies that prioritize child health can lead to effective interventions.

FAQ

What is the main cause of respiratory infections in children under five in South Sudan? The primary cause is indoor air pollution due to the burning of biomass fuels for cooking and heating, particularly when done in poorly ventilated spaces.

How does cooking location affect child health? Cooking indoors, especially in areas not designed for cooking, increases exposure to harmful pollutants, raising the risk of respiratory infections in children.

What are the socioeconomic factors affecting child health in South Sudan? Factors include income levels, education, access to healthcare, household size, and cultural practices surrounding cooking.

What strategies can mitigate indoor air pollution? Strategies include promoting clean cooking technologies, improving ventilation, public awareness campaigns, and enhancing access to healthcare.

How can families reduce indoor air pollution? Families can reduce pollution by cooking outdoors when possible, improving home ventilation, and transitioning to cleaner energy sources for cooking.

References

1. Lado, E. P. Z., Awiti, J. O., & Mwai, D. (2025). The effect of indoor air pollution on under-five child health in South Sudan. BMC Public Health, 63. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23215-z

2. Giebeler, L., Ehrhardt, C., Häder, A., Lauf, T., Deinhardt-Emmer, S., & Löffler, B. (2025). Colonizing Bacteria Aggravate Inflammation, Cytotoxicity and Immune Defense During Influenza A Virus Infection. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(11), 5364

3. Sorz-Nechay, A., Leeb, F., Haas, M., Djordjevic, E., Yeghiazaryan, L., & Greber-Platzer, S. (2025). Relieving the pediatric emergency department by referring low triaged patients using the Manchester Triage System. European Journal of Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-025-06230-5