Regional health officials commit to climate-resilient health systems

Representatives of the health ministries of Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Nepal and Timor-Leste met in Vientiane this week to discuss how to protect their countries’ health systems from the impacts of climate change, and commit to action plans.

H.E. Dr Snong Thongsna, Vice Minister of Health, Lao PDR, said the country was proud to host discussions on solutions and ways to work together to ensure health systems in each country adapt to and are protected against a changing climate.

“As with many countries in the region, Lao PDR is expecting more extreme weather, an increase of up to 30% in rainy season rainfall and temperature rises of 2–3 °C by 2050, which will have a severe impact on health and health care facilities. Under this project, Lao PDR has taken important steps towards a climate resilient and low-carbon health system following international pledges. We are honoured to share our experiences and learn from other countries how we can best deliver climate and health benefits simultaneously.”

Dr Park Yu Lee, acting World Health Organization (WHO) Representative, said Lao PDR had made excellent progress through its safe, clean, green hospital initiative as well as working towards climate-informed early warning and response systems for climate-sensitive health threats such as dengue and diarrhoeal diseases.

“One of the aims of this meeting is for participants to develop sustainability plans to ensure lessons continue to benefit their countries in the long-term.”

“To replicate and scale-up action, WHO and other partners are pleased to facilitate regional coordination and collaboration, and offer support including technical guidance, effective solutions and experience from other nations, and other assistance as needed.”

“WHO estimates that, globally, climate change will cause at least 250 000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050 through impacts such as heatwaves, rising sea levels, flooding, drought and other extreme weather events. The time to act is now.”

Ms. Martine Therer, Resident Representative, UNDP Lao PDR, congratulated the Ministry of Health, WHO and partners for their vital work to strengthen health systems. She reaffirmed UNDP support to the Government in addressing climate-related impacts, highlighting the long-standing partnership with WHO on the link between environment and health.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has illustrated the importance of resilient health systems, which are able to withstand any shock. However, post-pandemic, the principal threat we are faced with is a compounding crisis of climate change and its impact on health. UNDP, as the largest climate actor in the UN system, is ready to strengthen its collaboration with WHO and government partners to identify and implement rapid climate action to realise health co-benefits.”

At the meeting, supported by WHO, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Global Environment Facility, officials reviewed workplans for the year ahead, discussed technical challenges, and ensured efforts align with national, regional and global commitments. A key focus being the COP26 Health Programme, which saw 69 countries including Lao PDR make ambitious commitments to build climate-resilient and low carbon sustainable health systems.

Topics discussed include ensuring countries are ready to respond to new disease outbreaks, mitigating food insecurity amid drought, health care waste management, capacity building, working in partnership, surveillance and early warning systems, and climate resilient and environmentally sustainable health care facilities.

 

 

 

About the project

WHO has estimated that, globally, climate change will cause at least 250 000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050 through impacts such as heatwaves, rising sea levels, flooding, drought and other extreme weather events.

To respond to this, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) provided funding for six Asian least developed countries (LDCs) across the WHO Western Pacific and South-East Asian Regions to participate in the Building Resilience of Health Systems in Asian Low Middle-Income Countries to Climate Change project. The project has been implemented since 2019 by WHO and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with participating national governments.

To help oversee the implementation of the project, an International Project Board has been established and is composed of representatives of the ministries of health of the participating countries, UNDP and WHO. The International Project Board meeting convenes each year.