Catalyst of Change
Supporting a vibrant civil society in Europe
Air for Health Association
air4health.euAir for Health Association works to prevent and raise awareness of air pollution in Bulgaria. The organisation collaborates with medical professionals and students to improve air quality and produce scientific evidence on its harmful effects. It also advocates for national measures by highlighting the health and economic impacts of pollution to policymakers and the wider community.
About the Project
For the Right to Clean Air: Health Prevention and Protection of the Basic Rights of the Citizens of Bulgaria
Motivated by Bulgaria’s position as the most air-polluted country in the EU, the project aimed to tackle this serious issue. The high levels of pollution, caused largely by failing thermal power plants and heavily polluting industries, harmed public health and increased economic costs. Air4Health’s project supported civil groups in highly affected cities by providing expert analysis and knowledge-sharing. The team prepared recommendations for Ruse and Dimitrovgrad, strengthened local associations through meetings and workshops, raised public awareness through forums, and built lasting partnerships with local stakeholders. The project improved knowledge, advocacy capacity and preparedness for future action on air quality by training health experts and engaging communities.
Communication Outputs
Media Coverage
The project was featured in various media outlets- from regional newspapers to scientific journals.
The Air4Health team prepared an article about the pollution challenges faced by Dimitrovgrad and Ruse for a media outlet.
The events and the project were spotlighted by local newspapers:
Информационна среща организираха “Дишай Димитровград” и “Въздух за здраве” –
Информационна среща организират от “Дишай Димитровград” и “Въздух за здраве” | XNEWS
Two doctors participating in the project authored a scientific article published in Health and Science, the journal of the Medical College “Yordanka Filaretova” at the Medical University of Sofia.
Project Communications
Air4Health promoted their events through social media, local group posts, leaflets, and short videos. The link below provides project details and recommendations that were produced.
Funded by the European Union
name
Catalyst of Change: Protecting the Union values by supporting a resilient, engaged and vocal civil society for the promotion of women’s rights, environmental justice and anti-corruption
partner
European Center for Not-for-Profit Law Stichting (ECNL)
duration
1 January 2023- 31 December 2026
budget
3,411.982 EUR
