By Faridat Salifu
The recently unveiled Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment report has brought to the forefront the severe implications of climate change on both physical and mental health, as well as its potential to worsen humanitarian crises.
Acknowledging the critical need for immediate action, the report underscores the necessity for profound, swift, and sustained mitigation measures and the accelerated implementation of adaptation actions. These actions aim to diminish projected losses and damages for both humans and ecosystems, offering numerous co-benefits, particularly for air quality and health.
In a world where the environment and health are inherently intertwined, experts stress the urgency of recognizing and addressing the impact of poorly managed environments on global health. Advocating for a collaborative approach through the promotion of the One Health concept, environmental and health experts aspire to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems.
The One Health approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It emphasizes the potential for collaboration to protect health, tackle health challenges such as infectious diseases and antimicrobial-resistant strains, and preserve ecosystems.
As climate change emerges as a significant threat to global health, especially affecting vulnerable populations, initiatives are underway to integrate health into the official discourse on climate change. Notably, the inaugural health day organized during COP28 brought together Ministers of Health and senior health delegates from over 100 countries to rally support for the COP28 Climate and Health Agenda.
Underlining the importance of acknowledging the interplay between climate change and health, the COP28 Presidency unveiled the “COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health.” This declaration emphasizes the imperative of safeguarding and promoting the health and well-being of people while enhancing the climate resilience of healthcare systems. Such commitment aligns with the COP28 Presidency’s Action Agenda, placing “Protecting Lives and Livelihoods” at its core.
Additionally, stakeholder events led by AMREF Health Africa and its partners aimed to build consensus among African Health Ministers on key submissions and common positions related to the health and climate change nexus. These efforts underscore the pivotal role of African political leaders in shaping the discourse.
Reflecting on the historic dedication of a health day for climate health during COP28, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, CEO of AMREF Health Africa, commended the tireless efforts of global health partners and called for the active involvement of health Ministers in the climate change discourse.
The intricate relationship between climate change and health remains a critical issue, and collaborative efforts at COP28 and beyond underscore the need for a unified approach to address these challenges comprehensively. This recognition lays the foundation for comprehensive, equitable, and holistic solutions, understanding the significant impact on public health, the economy, the environment, and education, and the imperative to safeguard progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage.
