FRESHAIR4Life (FA4Life) is a four-year implementation science research programme that commenced in January 2023 in five countries with 13 partners. 

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) are the leading cause of illness and early death. Although the scientific community are working to prevent the risk factors that lead to NCDs, this is not always reaching disadvantaged populations. FA4Life aims to bridge this gap and implement evidence-based strategies to prevent the harm caused by air pollution and tobacco in adolescents in disadvantaged populations.  

The project focuses on five countries: Greece, the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Romania and Uganda. All face a high NCD burden, but their contexts differ significantly. These differences provide opportunity to gain knowledge and resources that can be used in other settings worldwide. All FA4LIFE activities are supported by dual capacity building: creating youth advocacy and professional leadership. 

🧩 Project coordination:  A consortium of 13 partners in 5 countries, led by Academisch Ziekenhuis Leiden.  

🔍 What’s the goal?  This EU project aims to develop context-specific interventions to reduce tobacco and air pollution exposure in disadvantaged populations. It focuses specifically on tobacco and air pollution exposure in mid-late adolescents. 

🗓️ Timeline: The project started in January 2023 and will run until December 2026. 

🤝 Our vital role:  

  • Work package (WP7): Building dual capacity: youth advocacy and professional leadership.
  • Work package (WP8): Dissemination, research exploitation and communication. Along with the International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG), this WP will support participant countries on media campaign interventions (social media, text messaging, YouTube content). It will also disseminate publications and significant milestones of the project. Furthermore, it will plan workshops/skill building opportunities for youth who will be engaged on the topics of air pollution, tobacco, climate action etc. 

Find out more: https://www.ipcrg.org/freshair4life  

FRESHAIR4Life is funded by Horizon Europe. UK participants are supported by UKRI grant numbers 10063681, 10060974 and 10064407 as part of the call for NCD prevention in adolescents.