The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has hosted a training workshop on climate change and health vulnerability, in collaboration with the World Health Organization's (WHO) Regional Office and other government agencies in the UAE.
The workshop, which was held in Dubai, focused on the mechanisms and procedures required to assess the health impacts of air pollution, providing an invaluable learning environment for attendees. Participants took part in several group exercises, aiming to measure and assess the vulnerability of health to climate change, evaluate current response and adaptation strategies within the health sector, and formulate a health national adaptation plan in cooperation with the World Health Organization.
As an interactive platform, the workshop provided an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of the health implications of climate change, identify effective adaptation measures, and develop appropriate capacities.
The main themes explored included a review of the latest scientific evidence and the creation of frameworks and methodologies for measuring health's impact on climate change. Additionally, the workshop provided insights on assessing climate-related risks, identifying priority intervention areas, strengthening the health systems' response capacity, and improving intersectoral cooperation and coordination for effective adaptation to climate change.
Supporting international efforts
In his keynote speech, HE Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, emphasized that the UAE is committed to bolstering international efforts in the field of health vulnerability assessment in the context of climate change. We are eager to assess the existing response and adaptation options within the health sector, with the goal of developing a comprehensive Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP).
“This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Ministry's previous efforts, including our instrumental role in launching the UAE National Framework for Action on Climate Change and Health 2019-2021. This framework was indeed developed in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and through close cooperation with other relevant government agencies within our UAE. As we gather for this workshop, one of our primary objectives is to provide updates and enhancements to this framework.” Al Rand said.
Significant milestone
Highlighting another significant milestone for the UAE, Al Rand said: “It is with great pride that we announce our role as the host nation for COP28, a momentous global event. This upcoming conference will provide us with a unique platform to further showcase our commitment to addressing climate change and its profound impact on health. It presents an unparalleled opportunity for us to collaborate with the international community, exchange ideas, and collectively work towards sustainable solutions.
“By hosting COP28, the UAE solidifies its position as a global leader in championing environmental stewardship and underscores our dedication to a healthier, more climate-resilient world. Let us harness the momentum of this workshop to propel us forward as we prepare to host COP28, uniting our efforts and paving the way for transformative change on a global scale,” he added.
Promoting Cooperation
For his part, Engineer Mazen Al Malkawi, an expert from the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasized the necessity of international and regional strategies for mitigating climate change impacts and safeguarding public health. He stated that climate change represents a significant challenge to public health, thereby necessitating urgent global collaboration and coordination among countries and international organizations to devise effective strategies for adapting to climate change and safeguarding community health. Al Malkawi further reaffirmed the importance of adopting preventive measures and enhancing health systems to reach sustainable development goals, thereby ensuring the health and overall well-being of communities.
During the workshop, the Ministry highlighted the commitments of the UAE's health sector and the notable strides made by the Ministry of Health and Prevention in this domain. The workshop encompassed several assessments using WHO tools to gauge health vulnerability to climate change and adaptation measures. It also provided hands-on training on the methodologies and mechanisms for developing plans for vulnerability assessment, capability enhancement, and adaptation, culminating in the creation of the Health National Adaptation Plan. This plan adheres to WHO guidelines and the specified operational framework aimed at modernizing the nation's framework on climate change and its impact on health.
The workshop has been a significant stepping-stone in the process of revamping the national framework on climate change and health, aligning it with global state-of-the-art practices and scientific evolution. It also underscores the government's commitment to establishing a resilient healthcare system, fortified to both safeguard and foster public health amidst the dynamics of climatic alterations.