Global Health announces the launch of a regional initiative to address the health challenges… – People in the Gulf

The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that African governments, represented by health ministers participating in the World Health Assembly currently being held in Geneva, have committed to address health challenges in Africa through collective effort and reduce the health impacts of climate change. A regional initiative has been launched to overcome and exchange of experiences for the countries of the continent.

The initiative seeks to strengthen the voice of health during the Conference of States Parties on Climate Change and in other global forums on climate action and negotiation, the organization indicated in a report Thursday.

The report said the initiative will support member states in achieving their goals by initiating and strengthening their legal, institutional and operational frameworks for multi-sectoral action to address the complexity of climate-related health challenges during the World Health Assembly. Will support

The talks take place against the backdrop of an increase in climate-related emergencies, with more than 100 health emergencies occurring in the African region every year, the report said.

The report indicated that 56% of the 2,121 public health events recorded in the region between 2001 and 2021 were climate-related, adding that natural disasters increased as they accounted for 70% of all disasters that occurred between 2017 and 2021. with disastrous results. For example, Hurricane Freddie killed at least 676 people in South Africa and displaced thousands in Malawi.

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said the initiative lays a strong foundation for building resilient health systems that can also cope with devastation caused by floods, droughts, environmental degradation, disease outbreaks and other impacts. Can continue to provide essential services. of climate change. climate.