The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has showcased the UAE’s National Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment Programme for Health and Climate Change as part of its participation in the Health Day activities held on the sidelines of COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference, taking place at Expo City Dubai from 30th November to 12th December, 2023.
The primary focus of the programme has been on highlighting the UAE's commitment to establishing a climate-resilient healthcare system that is both inclusive and forward-thinking. The UAE has adopted a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach to addressing climate change, with a specific objective of developing a well-balanced ecosystem that interconnects critical sectors, including healthcare, recognizing the profound impact of climate change on human health.
As part of its strategic approach to climate risk assessment and adaptation in the health sector, the UAE conducted a comprehensive national assessment, covering various aspects, including climate change, health vulnerabilities, adaptation strategies, and the National Action Plan. The extensive assessment has been conducted through a rigorous methodology that focuses on risk assessment principles, utilizing diverse data sources and analytical methods, and evaluating their impact on conditions related to heat, respiratory air quality, cardiovascular health, and non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, said that the Ministry's participation in COP28 aims to showcase the UAE’s commitment to offering practical and effective solutions to achieve a set of goals. These include mitigating the impact of climate change on human health, early detection of health changes, monitoring the burden of climate-related diseases, and maintaining a high level of flexibility and preparedness to confront these challenges.
“In addition to announcing an update to the UAE's national framework concerning climate change and its health implications, the ministry also highlighted the pivotal role of innovative technology and strategic policies in ensuring sustainable healthcare,”
Al Rand added.
Reaffirming the importance of establishing a dedicated Health Day during the COP28 conference, Al Rand stressed the crucial need for collaborative global efforts at the intersection of health and climate.
He also stated that the Ministry will spare no effort to bolster healthcare responses to climate change through the implementation of vulnerability and adaptation assessment tools and the formulation of comprehensive national adaptation plans within the healthcare sector.
For her part, Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of the Department of Public Health, and Prevention at MoHAP, noted that COP28 provides a pivotal platform to discuss the impact of climate change on health and shed light on the UAE's commitment to building a resilient healthcare system that safeguards and enhances public health in the face of climate change while aligning with international best practices.
“We eventually look forward to establishing an environmentally friendly healthcare system capable of effectively responding to the impacts of climate change,”
Al Marzouqi said.
Al Marzouqi further said that the Ministry, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and relevant authorities, conducted a comprehensive assessment of health vulnerability to climate change. This assessment included an evaluation of existing response and adaptation options within the healthcare sector. It was carried out using assessment tools and monitored through a set of indicators, including the identification, description, and prioritization of key health outcomes resulting from climate change. Additionally, it aimed to identify the groups most vulnerable to health risks associated with climate change, document essential data for tracking future vulnerability changes, and evaluate potential adaptation measures.
Meanwhile, during her presentation at the event, Dr. Maisoon Ali Al Shaali, Head of the Environment and Occupational Health Department at MoHAP, highlighted that the UAE's national climate change and health framework is built on four pillars, including governance, health protection policies and public participation, the development of resilient health systems through continuous monitoring and early response, and strengthening environmental health management. The framework also aims to mobilize support for enhancing public health responses to climate change.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
