THE AIM IS TO ENHANCE COORDINATION FOR THE INTEGRATION OF HEALTH CONCERNS INTO CLIMATE CHANGE PLANNING.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization hosted a half-day Inter-Ministerial Climate Change and Health workshop on Oct. 16, at the Bay Gardens Hotel.

Monday’s workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders representing key organizations from the public and private sectors, with the aim of enhancing the coordination and stakeholder engagement for the integration of health concerns into climate change planning and implementation.

The Caribbean region faces unique challenges associated with climate change and its far-reaching impact on public health. The workshop was organized against the backdrop of insufficient coordination among sectors and limited stakeholder engagement, impeding the seamless integration of health considerations into climate change planning, resource mobilization, and the programming and execution of projects supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Caribbean readiness project.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sharon Belmar George welcomes the collaborative approach stating that the Ministry of Health cannot do it alone.

“We note that with our data, the effect that climate change is having on various diseases and when they occur. We note the increase in vector-borne disease outbreaks within the country and within the region.  We see the effects we get on our gastro-intestinal diseases based on the rainfall patterns. We look at our undifferentiated fever patterns through our data and we see the relation with rainfall.  So we know it is real, we see what is happening from a health perspective but in terms of having proper plans to reduce the impact that it is having on health-this is one of the gaps that was recognized.”

One of the outcomes of the project is the establishment of adequate capacity and networks to support planning, programming, and implementation of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Caribbean readiness project activities.  PAHO said the organization was pleased to be lending support to the Ministry of Health in the Green Climate Fund Caribbean Readiness Project related initiatives.

“We here in the Caribbean are all too familiar with challenges that climate change presents, the rising temperatures, extreme weather events such as heat waves and floods, sea level rise, fluctuating rain falls are not just environmental problems they are health challenges that require our immediate action and collective collaboration. The message is clear- climate change touches very facet of our lives and if we are to safeguard public health from its impacts we must dismantle silos, cultivate collaboration and ensure that health is a central consideration in all sectors and in all policies.”

Monday’s workshop was also intended to foster a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between climate change and health and to chart a path towards, resilience, sustainability and well-being for all citizens. Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs, Ms. Tessa Inglis said the Inter-Ministerial Climate Change and Health Workshop provided an opportunity for the pooling of knowledge, experience and resources.

“As we embark on this journey, there are several important themes to keep in mind: knowledge sharing, we must foster an environment of open dialogue and information exchange among ourselves; inter-disciplinary collaboration: we need to work together seamlessly and recognize the inter-connectedness of our various portfolio: inclusivity-it is crucial that in our efforts here today, we ensure that all voices are heard and all communities are considered.”

The Inter-Ministerial Climate Change and Health Workshop was seen as event that will chart a course toward a more resilient and sustainable future for Saint Lucia.

Listen to podcast: https://pod.co/government-of-saint-lucia/ministry-of-health-hosts-inter-ministerial-climate-change-and-health-workshop

Watch video news report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oi1SZseSEDg