Integrate climate considerations into health policies and programs – World Bank

Urgent action is needed to integrate climate considerations into Ghana’s health policies and programs to strengthen the resilience of the country’s health system against the adverse effects of climate change, according to a new World Bank report.

The Climate and Health Vulnerability Assessment (CHVA) for Ghana identifies gaps and risks for the health sector while recommending policy actions and providing information on the capacity to adapt to climate-related crises.

The report notes that climate change in Ghana is causing extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, leading to food insecurity, injuries and risk of death for 2 million people.

“One of the most notable aspects is the marked vulnerability of certain subpopulations, including the elderly, women, children and those living in rural areas,” said Naila Ahmed, leader of the World Bank’s Sustainable Development Program.

“These people are disproportionately affected by adverse health outcomes exacerbated by climate change, further deepening existing socioeconomic disparities. Additionally, the assessment underscores the critical importance of strengthening primary health care infrastructure, improving workforce capacity, and integrating climate considerations into health policies and programs.”

The report highlights Ghana’s high vulnerability, especially to diseases such as malaria and diarrheal diseases, and health problems related to heat, air pollution and infectious diseases are on the rise.

“As we face the challenges of climate change, we must understand the public health implications and take proactive steps to protect our communities.

“The findings serve as a call for collective efforts to forge innovative and targeted solutions and mitigate adverse health effects in Ghana,” Ahmed urged.

The CHVA highlights that Ghana’s climate varies in temperature and rainfall, with projections showing decreased rainfall and higher temperatures. In the last 50 years, the country has experienced 22 major climate events that have affected millions of people with droughts, floods, wildfires and storms. The assessment examines the potential health impact of rising heat and the spread of infectious diseases.

Robert Taliercio, World Bank country director for Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, emphasized the importance of a healthy population for shared prosperity. “The World Bank has shifted its mission from ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity on a liveable planet. A healthy population is the cornerstone of prosperity. “Therefore, implementing adaptation and mitigation measures is crucial to address current challenges and prevent further adversities.”

Professor Mawuli Dzodzomenyo, lead author and head of biological, environmental and occupational health at the School of Public Health, University of Ghana, highlighted the report’s contribution to the development of climate-resilient health systems.

“CHVA research contributes to the development of climate-resilient health systems. By analyzing vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities, decision makers can identify areas of improvement and allocate resources effectively,” Prof. Dzodzomenyo.

Key recommendations include implementing a 10-year plan to make Ghana’s health sector resilient to climate change, integrating objectives into other sectors, planning the health workforce, improving coverage of climate-sensitive conditions in healthcare information systems. health, improving facilities with climate-smart codes, undertaking multi-sector action on the determinants of health, providing sustained financing and monitoring climate-related health expenditures.

In his speech, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz Adams, recognized the importance of addressing the health impacts of climate change.

“Health has been identified as a major pillar in global discussions on climate change… To achieve our commitment, Ghana needs between $9.3 million and $15 million, underscoring the enormous importance of climate finance in building systems.” climate resilient,” he said.

Mr Adams outlined Ghana’s commitments made at COP26, including conducting vulnerability and adaptation assessments, developing a National Health Adaptation Plan, accessing climate change finance and assessing emissions of greenhouse gases from the health system.

He added: “The ministry has begun to validate and harmonize climate and health vulnerability assessments to generate evidence to develop the Health and Climate Change Policy and the National Health Adaptation Plan, which will highlight the health sector’s action plan to adaptation to climate change”.

Mr. Adams emphasized the collaborative effort needed, stating: “I urge all our development partners to actively participate in this process and recognize the shared responsibility we all play in safeguarding public health against climate-induced threats.” .