All countries in the WHO European Region are observing an increase in temperature, with projected further significant increases. The type and severity of climate change risks for human health vary widely across the Region.
The seven-country initiative of WHO/Europe and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) aimed to protect health from climate change through addressing adaptation, strengthening of health systems and building institutional capacity.
The countries involved were Albania, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Uzbekistan.
Preliminary results were presented at the 2010 Fifth Ministerial Conference for Environment and Health in Parma, Italy, and further results were published in the report Protecting health from climate change: A seven-country initiative (2013).
The Goal
The specific objectives of the initiative were:
- To develop capacity, assess the risks and develop national or subnational health adaptation strategies
- To build institutional capacity on climate change in relation to extreme weather events preparedness and response; infectious disease surveillance and response; respiratory diseases early detection and response; water, food safety and malnutrition
- To foster innovation in energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy for health services
- To provide intelligence and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences on effective adaptation and mitigation measures.
The project
Some of the key features of this initiative were:
- Addressing adaptation to climate change
This initiative addressed the reduction of vulnerability of populations and countries, increased adaptive capacity of health systems and countries, included the improvement of disaster preparedness and response, early detection of diseases and developed appropriate climate change related policies to protect population health and the environment. The project identified vulnerable areas and population groups to allow for targeted interventions.
- Innovative character: institutional innovation
Country activities brought together multisectoral teams (e.g. health, development, transport, trade, energy). This approach ensured that climate change adaptation could be mainstreamed into the development priorities as well as in the health and health systems programs of the participating countries and their existing national strategies.
- Multiplier effect
By showing the multiple benefits of greenhouse gases reduction policies, the health sector was able to strengthen its capacity to engage and work with other sectors and to identify “selling points” to support the implementation of such policies. This has large benefits for populations, health systems, ministries of health and environment, and governments, whose well-being is threatened by climate change.
Partners
WHO/Europe coordinated the projects, contributing to the implementation of the WHO workplan on climate change and health. It also provided technical assistance, guidance, training and expertise.
In each country, a multisectoral steering committee was established, and a project coordinator oversaw implementation at the national level. Country coordinators were supported by WHO/Europe. All activities were implemented in collaboration with the BMU and the national Governments of the seven countries.
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Publication - Protecting health from climate change: A seven-country initiative