Policy Implications of Scientific Findings on Health Impacts of Climate Change in Western Pacific Region

Abstract

Policy Implications of Scientific Findings on Health Impacts of Climate Change in Western Pacific RegionAbstract Number:3024 Hae-Kwan Cheong*, Hyenmi Chung, Joshua Nealon, Jungsub Yeom, Nasir Mohd Hasaan Hae-Kwan Cheong* Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Republic of Korea Search for more papers by this author , Hyenmi Chung WHO WPRO, Philippines Search for more papers by this author , Joshua Nealon WHO WPRO, Philippines Search for more papers by this author , Jungsub Yeom WHO WPRO, Philippines Search for more papers by this author , and Nasir Mohd Hasaan WHO WPRO, Philippines Search for more papers by this author AbstractWestern Pacific Region is a region with a highest population burden with wide diversity in geography, ethnicity and level of economic development rendering many countries highly vulnerable to climate hazards. There is a need for a systematic research on the impact of climate change in the region with a special focus on the vulnerable countries. It was elucidated that among health impact of climate change, extreme weather events and vector-borne diseases were priority health concerns and this is reflected in the adaptation plans and activities in the region. Most countries are developing National Adaptation Plans and many countries have completed health sector vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans some of plans have been ratified by the government as a whole. However, widespread implementation of plans has not yet taken place because these plans were developed only recently and the activities they describe may compete with other health care priorities. In executing the Regional Framework on climate change and health (WPR/RC59.R7), more organization of the activities is needed while there are no distinct differences in the activities depending on the level of development. Most activities are focused on the adaptation, and detailed activities on the mitigation is lacking. Health sector’s role in climate change and health needs to be clarified. As a framework of national activities on the climate change and health, five main domains are identified; governance, planning, adaptation, mitigation, and sharing practices. To meet the regional needs on climate change and health, following actions are recommended: developing and provide policy tools like DPSEEA framework, Health Impact Assessment (HIA); facilitate to develop the evidence; prioritize areas for action; expansion of the WPRO governance to the all member countries; establish a regional network of climate-sensitive disease surveillance; and seek regional adaptation funding. To strengthen and reform health system, climate change adaptation requires whole-of-society approach, having enormous potential of health gain. It is crucial for the policy-makers of health sector to understand the roles, responsibilities, and opportunities of health systems and public health services in climate change adaptation. Advocacy of the adaptation and mitigation measures for health co-benefits and strengthening pillars of health system resilient to climate change is needed.Key words: climate change, policy development, Asia Pacific, status report