Nafas Indonesia and DBS Foundation launch study on impact of air pollution and pneumonia cases in children under five in Jakarta | Bahasa
Pneumonia is referred to as a “silent killer” responsible for 14 percent of all deaths among children in the world, and claims more than 800,000 lives of children under 5 every year.
In Jakarta, the annual average of PM2.5 is 35-40 μg/m3–seven times higher than the annual safety threshold of 5 μg/m3 recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This study confirms that high concentrations of PM2.5 are strongly associated with an increase in the prevalence of pneumonia, putting thousands of children in Jakarta at serious health risk.
Key findings from the white paper:
A 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 is associated with a twofold increase in pneumonia prevalence among children under five in several subdistricts in Jakarta,
One in every 20 children under five in Jakarta was diagnosed with pneumonia in 2023,
Pneumonia cases tend to increase during the dry season to coincide with a surge in PM2.5 concentrations.
This initiative brings together diverse perspectives from various sectors–public health, air quality technology, and advocacy–to develop a thorough understanding of the impact of air pollution on children's health and promote inclusive, collective action to address the issue.
CEO Nafas Indonesia Nathaniel Roestandy said, “This white paper shows that clean air is not only an environmental issue but also a very urgent public health issue. Our data-driven approach, combined with the academic rigour of FKM UI, and the support of DBS Foundation as a strategic partner, reinforces the urgency of the need to take immediate action to protect the health of our children.”
The integration of technology into this air pollution research was made possible by virtue of a grant from DBS Foundation that enabled cross-disciplinary collaboration to deal with the health challenges of air pollution in an innovative, impactful, and measurable way. The launch of this white paper marked an important milestone in the ongoing partnership between Nafas Indonesia and DBS Foundation. Nafas Indonesia, an awardee of DBS Foundation Grant Program 2023, is a perfect example of how social enterprises and impact businesses can leverage technology and collaboration to drive systemic change.
“Every citizen has the right to clean and healthy air. In line with DBS Foundation’s vision to meet the basic needs of vulnerable communities and foster inclusivity, Bank DBS Indonesia supports Nafas in its efforts to raise public awareness of better air quality. In this way, every child in Jakarta and across Indonesia will have the opportunity to lead a healthier and more prosperous life in the future,” said Head of Group Strategic Marketing & Communications at PT Bank DBS Indonesia Mona Monika.
Similar concerns are prevalent in the academic community. Professor at the Department of Environmental Health at the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Public Health R. Budi Haryanto, emphasised that “These findings confirm our long-held suspicion: air pollution is a major yet often overlooked contributor to respiratory infections in children. We hope this evidence serves as a strong basis for more strategic preventive measures and policy interventions that protect vulnerable groups, particularly children under five.”
To access the white paper “Breath Interrupted Amidst Pollution: The Impact of PM2.5 on Pneumonia in Children Under Five in Jakarta,” please visit this page.
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About Collaboration
This study is the result of a cross-sector collaboration between Nafas Indonesia, DBS Foundation, and FKM UI. By combining real-time air quality data, epidemiological analysis, and public health perspectives, this initiative aims to promote data-driven policies, build public awareness, and deliver sustainable solutions for cleaner air and healthier communities.
For further information:
Nafas Indonesia
info@nafas.co.id
About DBS Foundation
Established in 2014, DBS Foundation is committed to uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact. It aims to bring hope to those with less today, so no one is left behind and we can all face the future with confidence.
In 2024, DBS committed up to SGD 1 billion dollars over the next decade to support vulnerable communities. It also pledged to contribute 1.5 million employee volunteer hours over the same period.
Together with an ecosystem of like-minded partners, DBS Foundation seeks to create impact that goes beyond banking, beyond borders, and beyond generations.
For more information, please visit: www.dbs.com/dbsfoundation.
About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.
Established in 1989 as part of the Singapore-based DBS Group, PT Bank DBS Indonesia (Bank DBS Indonesia) is one of the banks with the longest history in Asia. Currently operating 1 Head Office, 13 Branch Offices, 16 Assistant Offices and 4 Functional Offices and 3,011 active employees in 15 Major Cities in Indonesia, Bank DBS Indonesia provides comprehensive banking services that focus on the customer experience to 'Live more, Bank less'. We also see a purpose beyond banking and are committed to supporting our customers, employees, and the community towards a sustainable future.
PT Bank DBS Indonesia is licensed and supervised by The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK), and an insured member of Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).
DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting businesses for impact: enterprises with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping underserved communities with future-ready skills and helping them to build food resilience.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.
DBS Foundation
