Result-oriented activities to lessen climate change impacts stressed

Kathmandu, Aug 1: Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Roshan Pokharel, has pointed out the need of carrying out result-oriented activities to lessen climate change impacts.     

The Health Ministry has organised a two-day national conference on climate change and health with the coordination of the World Health Organisation (WHO) here today.     

In the inaugural session of the two-day event, Secretary Pokharel said, "We have to focus on and seek output". The activities carried out to lessen climate change impacts should be result-oriented. The issue of spending sources in order to achieve result is the important thing. It is believed that the conference would help to guide."     

He laid emphasis on climate adaptation and low-carbon health system.     

Similarly, Chief of Health Coordination Division under the Ministry, Dr Chuman Lal Das, underlined that the Health Ministry alone could not stop the impacts of climate change and coordination of all was needed for the same.     

"Public health is at high risk due to melting of glaciers, drying-up water sources, increase in average temperature, increasing of different disease like dengue as well as water-borne diseases", he added.     

Likewise, Director General of the Department of Health Services, Dr Sangita Kaushal Mishra, shared that though the climate change has made impacts on different dimensions, it has been mainly affecting social, health and economic sector.     

Stating that all are aware about the problems invited by the climate change in the world, Health Emergencies Programme Chief of WHO, Allison Gocotano, explained, "Vector-borne and water-borne diseases have increased. Nepal has also made climate change health adaptation policy and action plan. WHO will provide its support in the sector of climate change."     

The conference would create awareness about climate change as well as health-related challenges and development, conclusion of climate change and health-related research, inform research programmes to be conducted in future.     

Discussion was held on different issues including policy formulation, scientific evidence of climate change impacts on health among others.(RSS)