Dar es Salaam, Feb. 15 -- These deaths arent from diseases we commonly hear about, but from the invisible dangers of open fire cooking.

As families gather around smoky stoves fuelled by charcoal or wood, they unknowingly breathe in deadly toxins that lead to respiratory diseases, heart problems and even cancer. In addition to the health crisis, this method of cooking accelerates deforestation, contributing to climate change and economic instability.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the use of solid fuels like wood, charcoal and animal dung in poorly ventilated spaces is a leading cause of these fatalities, which result primarily from respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions and burns.

However, a new chapter unfo...