MoHAP joins COP28 with leading initiatives to combat climate impact on health

He Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has announced that everything is ready to participate in the “Health Day” activities organized by the 28th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP 28), which will take place at Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023.

During the event, the Ministry will present a series of projects, including “Measurement of carbon emissions in health facilities” and “Measurement and assessment of health vulnerability to climate change.” Additionally, he will announce an update to the UAE’s national framework on climate change and health, while emphasizing the crucial role of innovative technology and strategic policies in sustainable healthcare.

MoHAPThe projects have been developed as part of the UAE’s efforts to design practical and effective solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change on human health. Projects focus on detecting changes in health dynamics, monitoring the burden of climate-related diseases, and improving preparedness and flexibility in response to these challenges.

Carbon emissions in healthcare facilities

Besides, MoHAP He is currently working on a project aimed at measuring carbon emissions in specific healthcare facilities. This project primarily targets specific healthcare facilities to assess the extent of emissions and subsequently formulate a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing these emissions. It is in line with the national efforts being made to achieve carbon neutrality and strengthen the State’s holistic collaboration in preserving the environment and fighting climate change.

Health and climate change

The United Arab Emirates National Framework on Climate Change and its Impact on Health is structured around four main pillars: effective governance, policy development and participation in safeguarding health against climate change; resilient health systems capable of continuous monitoring, early warning and rapid response to climate-related challenges. The framework also prioritizes improving the management of environmental health interventions and rallying support to strengthen the public health response to climate change.

The Ministry has also carried out a comprehensive assessment of climate change vulnerability within the health sector, using WHO assessment tools, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and various stakeholders. The implementation process is closely monitored through a set of specific indicators that focus on identifying, describing and prioritizing key health outcomes arising from climate change, identifying populations most at risk for climate-related health problems, and document essential basic information. This data collection is crucial for tracking future changes in vulnerability and for effective assessment of potential adaptation options.

Bridges of association and cooperation

Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), fixed,

“We are pleased to be part of this vital global event, through which we hope to build bridges of partnership and cooperation in the field of sustainable development and climate action, with the COP28 presidency dedicating for the first time in its history a health event . day.”

“Health Day constitutes an international platform to build equitable and climate-resilient health systems globally, as it will facilitate the exchange of ideas, opinions and experiences and the development of future plans that would mobilize global efforts to address the impact of climate change.” climate change on health”,

said the minister.

He added:

“The Ministry’s participation in COP28 reflects the UAE’s strong commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and reducing the health effects of climate change. Guided by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and under the directives of President Su “His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates prioritizes the preservation of human life and the improvement of livelihoods, as well as the health of people and communities around the world.”

Healthy and sustainable future

For its part, Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP)saying:

“Through our participation in this prestigious event, we hope to highlight MoHAP’s commitment to aligning with national trends and supporting collective international efforts to address sustainability challenges. Driven by the shared goal of ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for all humanity, the Ministry We will continue to collaborate and partner with local authorities and relevant international organizations to develop strategic plans, programs and policies aimed at promoting sustainable healthcare in the face of global climate challenges.”

He stressed that the Ministry will spare no effort to launch projects and initiatives that are part of a national policy and action plan on health and climate change. These projects will be integrated into the national public health strategy, which includes regular assessments of the health impacts of climate change, updated every two years with new evidence.

National adaptation plans

Meanwhile, Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Deputy Undersecretary of the Public Health Sectorhe claimed,

‘COP28 Health Day has significant importance as it marks the pursuit of tangible and substantial progress in international health and climate efforts. MoHAP’s participation in the conference reflects our commitment to improving health responses to climate change.”

“We are spearheading projects and initiatives in this area, developing tools for vulnerability and adaptation assessment, and formulating national adaptation plans for the health sector. “We are also working on updating the national framework on climate change and its impact on health, collaborating with all relevant authorities to forge a health system that is environmentally friendly and resilient to the effects of climate change.”

Al-Rand noted.

For the first time in its history, the COP28 presidency has dedicated a day to health during the conference. Health day will address the challenges that climate change poses to health systems, advocating for ambitious investments to create resilient and equitable health systems capable of meeting climate-related challenges.

The day will also shed light on the vulnerabilities of government health systems exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for profound changes to equip these systems against climate change. Additionally, it will focus on human health risks associated with climate change, including the mutation and spread of diseases.

News source: Emirates News Agency