Quality health activists from Malawi have asked developed countries to support efforts aimed at strengthening healthcare systems and infrastructure that withstand climate change-related disasters.
According to sources in the United States, they said doing so would help reduce disruptions in the provision of essential services when natural disasters hit.
The call was made when President Lazarus Chakwera interacted with officials that represented Conference of the Parties (CoP)28, World Health Organisation and Seed Global Health at the Pre-CoP28 Health Day side event at the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (Unga) in New York, United States of America.
Addressing the gathering, Chakwera proposed a reflection on issues such as mental health and wellbeing during CoP28 Health Day.
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The President said climate change has had a huge impact on the health sector.
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Chakwera said Health Day can catalyse discussions on psycho-social support that community members need when affected by climate-induced disasters.
The Malawi leader said mental health is an integral part of people’s wellbeing.
Malawi Health Equity Network Executive Director George Jobe concurred, saying there is a need to “synergise climate and health data” as one way of addressing disaster-induced problems.
“CoP28 can help streamline the collection and sharing of climate and health data, empowering evidence-based policy decisions to protect public health.
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“[In terms of] health-centric climate mitigation and adaptation, CoP28 presents [stakeholders with] an opportunity to integrate health concerns further into climate adaptation strategies, fostering resilience in healthcare systems and ensuring access to medical services during climate-related challenges,” he said.
Jobe commended Chakwera for taking up the matter at the international scene, saying, recently, it has been evident that there is a strong relationship between issues of climate change and the health sector.
“We must, therefore, invest in infrastructure that will ensure that our communities are resilient to climate shocks. Of course, there is the issue of cyclones that have happened and the issue of cholera cases.
“Beyond that, we also know that we have other health issues that come from climate change such as global warming, issues of dehydration and other complications that come with it,” he said.
The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference 2023 will be held from November 30 to December 12 2023 at Expo City, Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.
Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda was part of the activities, where Chakwera also engaged development partners.
