Global community should help Nepal minimize climate change effects: Minister Poudel

Kathmandu, Sept 26: Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Poudel has called for international community to help Nepal minimize the negative effects of climate change taking into consideration the magnitude of its impacts in the Himalayan nation. 

The program is being held from 24 to 26 September 2024, in collaboration with the international secretariat comprised of the World Health.

At the Fifth Ministerial Meeting and Twelfth High Level Officials Meeting of the Asia Pacific Regional Forum on Health and Environment held in Jakarta of Indonesia, Minister Poudel said the climate change has mostly affected the agriculture and health sector.     

"As a member of the parliament, I have been advocating for the creation of climate change parliament in Nepal to address the issue at higher policy level. Now as a Minister for Health and Population, I am firmly committed to put measures to protect the health of present and future generations".     

Nepal is the first country in the South Asia to develop the national adaptation plan in health sector, he informed, adding various measures have been put in place for the development of climate-resist health system.     

The Minister further shared that climate resistance and environmental sustainability are being implemented alongside capacity strengthening of health workers, research and study and climate sensitive disease surveillance system.     

"Nepal has been adopting various adaptation and mitigation measures keeping into consideration the importance of climate change in health sector. The government has submitted the second Nationally Determined Contributions plan with a commitment to use 'Non-Burn Technology' for waste management in 1,400 health institutions", Minister Poudel mentioned.     

Recalling the commitment to develop health system with low carbon commission and adaptation, he claimed Nepal has been successful in carrying out preliminary assessment of Greenhouse gas emission through health sector.     

Appreciating the provision of opening its membership for all 51 countries and regions, he expressed Nepal's interest to join the regional forum a full member.     

Highlighting the need of wider public awareness about health risks due to climate change and air pollution, he recommended including climate health education in the university curriculum and community programme.     

Lending Nepal support to the agendas and actions placed to address agriculture, food security and human health related challenges, he expressed full-fledged commitment to the initiatives presented in the Jakarta Declaration.(RSS)