CHR News Desk | New Delhi
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a call to bolster global capacities in addressing climate change, emphasizing the need for increased training and measures to enhance the resilience of healthcare facilities while making them environmentally sustainable. This call comes as part of WHO’s broader efforts to tackle the intersection of climate change and public health.
In Madrid, a recent WHO training session served as a platform for equipping participants with practical tools and insights derived from a variety of country experiences. Held on March 6–7, 2024, the training covered a diverse range of topics pertinent to climate change and health.
Discussions during the training encompassed critical areas such as climate change vulnerability and adaptation assessments, accessing climate finance, integrating health considerations into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and developing Health National Adaptation Plans (HNAPs). Additionally, participants explored strategies for constructing climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health systems and facilities, along with methods for measuring greenhouse gas emissions.
Throughout the sessions, a strong emphasis was placed on fostering peer-to-peer learning, facilitating dynamic exchanges, and harnessing the expertise of local and regional leaders. The training also adopted a Training of Trainers (ToT) approach aimed at empowering participants to disseminate their knowledge effectively in future training endeavors.
The WHO’s initiative was prompted by a growing demand for training on climate change and health, with participants identifying key priority areas such as enhancing the resilience and sustainability of healthcare facilities, devising action plans for Low Carbon Sustainable Health Systems (LCSHS), and bolstering climate-informed health surveillance and Early Warning Systems (EWS).
Feedback received post-training underscored the significance of the WHO’s Climate Change and Health (CCH) training, with participants expressing appreciation for its relevance to their work. They emphasized the importance of continued technical capacity development, particularly in emerging areas such as Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) and advocacy efforts related to climate change and health.
The WHO’s commitment to addressing capacity-building needs in this realm is evident through its ongoing initiatives, including the launch of a Technical Webinar Series on Climate Change and Health and an online course developed in collaboration with the WHO Academy.
Overall, the WHO Training on Climate Change and Health in Madrid marked a significant milestone in advancing global efforts to address the intricate challenges posed by climate change on public health. The participation of government officials, academic researchers, technical advisors, and WHO staff from various regions underscores the shared commitment to building climate-resilient and low-carbon sustainable health systems and facilities worldwide.
