Health plan aims to counter effects of climate change
Health care should evolve to accommodate a changing climate and an increased risk of associated diseases, officials said as they laid out a blueprint for future services. The Ministry of Health and Prevention has identified six areas of climate-related concern as priorities in future planning for health services. They include heat-related illnesses, heart and respiratory diseases and vector-borne…
The Ministry of Health and Prevention has unveiled a comprehensive plan to address the anticipated health impacts of climate change. Six key areas of concern have been identified: heat-related illnesses, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, vector-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria, waterborne and foodborne diseases, and mental health issues.
Scientists have recorded 2024 as the hottest year on record, with temperatures surpassing 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This increasing heat poses a heightened risk of heat exhaustion and strain on the heart and lungs. The new plan, developed alongside the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, aims to integrate health and environmental policies more effectively.
Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, emphasized that as the climate evolves, so do the risks to human health, stressing the importance of anticipating these risks and safeguarding communities. The strategy focuses on early warning systems to prevent climate-related diseases before they occur, including heat and air-quality alerts.
Healthcare facilities will receive resilient supplies and coordinated emergency plans to ensure uninterrupted care during disruptions. Clinicians will be trained to handle more climate-related illnesses, and healthcare professionals will receive enhanced training and support.
Dr Hussain Al Rand, assistant undersecretary for public health, highlighted the plan's focus on equipping healthcare professionals, advancing specialized research, improving emergency readiness, and fortifying healthcare facilities.
The plan acknowledges the surge in vector-borne diseases due to warmer climates, with dengue and malaria cases on the rise in recent years. Dr Gopal Chawla, a pulmonologist, noted that the government's approach acknowledges climate change as a pressing public health issue, particularly for respiratory conditions exacerbated by poor air quality and extreme weather.
Dr Muhammed Aslam, another pulmonologist, stressed the importance of preventive measures, early detection, public awareness, and strengthening disease surveillance and healthcare infrastructure to mitigate climate-related health risks effectively.
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