Strumica, 15 December 2025 (MIA) — Respiratory disease cases in Strumica have increased in all age groups in recent years, Strumica Center for Public Health director Meri Nikolova Gicheva told the newly formed Strumica Prevention Council's first session earler Monday, MIA's Strumica correspondent reports.

Nikolova Gicheva said the number of respiratory diseases was expected to increase even more next year. As reasons for the rising tide of illness, the public health expert cited climate change and air pollution. 

Gjorgji Tanushev, an environmental activist representing the environmental protection association Healthy Valley, said Strumica was ranked third in respiratory disease cases, right behind Bitola and Kichevo.

He cited as reasons for the respiratory illnesses in Bitola and Kichevo the coal mines near those cities. In Strumica, however, "a city without this kind of industry, it is astonishing" that there was so much respiratory illness, he said. He noted that the city had highly polluted air year-round, pointing to households burning firewood and farmers burning agricultural waste as well as local factories as the culprits.

According to recent findings of a study by Shtip's Goce Delchev University laboratory, which were presented at the session, biomass combustion — burning organic materials like wood, crops or waste — accounted for 35% of air pollution in Strumica. Traffic was found to be the second largest source of air pollutants.

The discussion topic was suggested by Strumica Mayor Petar Jankov. He said a number of measures needed to be taken to address these problems, including subsidizing climate-friendly heat pumps through donations as well as involving public institutions in finding solutions to air pollution. mr/