World Health Day to focus on protecting health from effects of climate change

Dr Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA Executive Director, on Monday called on stakeholders to expand partnerships and act in solidarity to reduce carbon emissions, to build the resilience of those who are vulnerable, and to protect the health of each other and the planet.

In a statement to mark World Health Day, which falls on Monday, UNFPA commended the World Health Organisation and its work to improve public health over the past six decades.

“Together we look to the future and one of the biggest challenges of our time: protecting health from the effects of climate change.

“As we are beginning to understand, the potential effects are quite serious. Scientific evidence points to the impending expansion of infectious diseases; an increase in severe natural disasters, including heat waves, floods and droughts; and rising shortages of food and clean water, leading to population displacement,” the statement added.

It said these consequences posed major challenges for all countries, particularly developing ones and people living in extreme poverty.

It noted that among the most immediately affected were poor women and girls and older persons.

“They are vulnerable, and their insights and participation are critical to an effective response”.

The Day, which is being celebrated under the theme “Protecting Health from Climate Change,” also commemorates the 60th anniversary of the World Health Organization.
GNA