Satellite Monitoring for Air Quality and Public Health Research in Africa: A Scoping Review

<title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Background</bold> Satellite remote sensing is an important approach for estimating air pollution exposure in regions with limited ground-based monitoring, yet its application in environmental health research across Africa has not been synthesised. This scoping review mapped the use of satellite-derived air quality products to investigate relationships between air pollution and human health in Africa. <bold>Methods</bold> A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Five electronic databases and grey literature sources were searched for studies published until May 2026. Eligible studies used satellite-derived air quality data to investigate associations with human health outcomes in Africa. Data were extracted using a standardised form and synthesized descriptively. <bold>Results</bold> Twenty-six records met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were published after 2015 and employed ecological time-series or cross-sectional designs. Research was concentrated in West Africa and fine particulate matter (PM _2.5 ) was the most frequently investigated pollutant, followed by desert dust and nitrogen dioxide (NO ₂ ). Respiratory diseases, meningitis, adverse birth outcomes, and child mortality were the predominant health outcomes, with most studies reporting positive associations between air pollution exposure and adverse health outcomes. Hybrid exposure assessment approaches combining satellite observations with atmospheric models or ground-based monitoring were more common than satellite-only approaches. Geographical, methodological, and research leadership gaps were identified. <bold>Conclusions</bold> Satellite remote sensing is a valuable approach for investigating air pollution and health in Africa. Future research should expand geographical coverage, improve methodological reporting and validation, investigate a broader range of pollutants, include chronic health outcomes and strengthen African research leadership and capacity. </p>