Climate Change Adversely Affecting Health, Says Malawi Health Minister
In her address, Kandodo Chiponda underscored the need for African countries to unite in addressing the health impacts of climate change.
LILONGWE, Malawi- Malawi's Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, has emphasised that the adverse effects of climate change are increasingly taking a toll on people's health and well-being, extending beyond just environmental concerns, writes Judgement Katika.
Minister Kandodo Chiponda made these remarks during the opening of a regional workshop on health, attended by delegates from Africa, Europe, and various Environmental and Health organizations.
The primary objective of the workshop is to address the critical issue of climate change in relation to health and unite diverse African stakeholders to drive policy changes and establish resilient health systems.
In her address, Kandodo Chiponda underscored the need for African countries to unite in addressing the health impacts of climate change.
She stated, "Let us have a common position as Africa; we are all pushing the 2063 agenda championed by the African Union. We need to strive to be more productive and resilient by 2063."
The Malawi Health Minister further called upon financial partners to provide additional funding opportunities to sustain climate and health research and actions in the African Region.
Desta Lakew, the Amref Health Africa Group Director for Partnership and External Affairs, reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change on health in the region.
Lakew emphasised their collaboration with partners like PACJA, the World Health Organization, Ministries of Health, and government officials to work toward a common position in mitigating the impact of climate change on health.
Furthermore, she explained that they would assist in presenting Africa's unified stance on mitigating climate change's health impacts to forums that aim to find solutions to challenges affecting the continent's health sector due to climate change.
Ishmael Nyasulu, a representative of the World Health Organization in Malawi, pledged continued support for countries building climate-resilient healthcare systems.
He mentioned the introduction of health community engagement in climate change forums as part of their strategy.
As climate change continues to threaten health and well-being, these collaborative efforts between nations and organisations aim to create a unified front in combating its adverse effects on the African population.