A total of 10 regional governments across the world have committed to meeting the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) air quality standards.

The regions, representing more than 3,000 municipalities from eight countries, have joined the BreatheLife campaign and are implementing 100 key measures to mitigate air pollution.

That includes developing sustainable mobility and transportation policies, vehicle pollution control, regulating and improving the disposal and management of solid waste and setting ambitious standards on emissions for both households and industries.

The 10 regions, which have a total population of more than 35 million, are Azuay (Ecuador), Campeche (Mexico), Catalonia and Basque Country (Spain), Chaco (Argentina), Gossas (Senegal), Jalisco and Plateau (Benin), Lombardy (Italy) and Valle de Aburra (Colombia).

The announcement was made at the UN COP23 climate conference in Bonn.

Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director of Public Health and Environment said: “This BreatheLife campaign commitment shows how cities and regions can provide a strong platform for actions that benefit both health, climate and environment.

“In addition, the fact that both cities and regions in developed and developing countries are joining the campaign reflects the shared challenges that we face to our health – and our joint determination to address those as a global community.”