A new World Bank report released today highlights the urgent need for Ghana to strengthen its health system in response to the challenges posed by climate change. Titled Climate and Health Vulnerability Assessment (CHVA) for Ghana, the report emphasizes the risks and gaps in the country's health sector and offers recommendations for policy actions to enhance resilience.
The report points out that climate change in Ghana is leading to extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, resulting in food insecurity, injuries, and the risk of death for 2 million people. It also highlights the country's vulnerability to illnesses like malaria and diarrhea, as well as the increasing health issues related to heat, air pollution, and infectious diseases.
Robert Taliercio, World Bank Country Director for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, emphasized the importance of addressing climate change impacts on health, stating, "A healthy population is the cornerstone of prosperity. Therefore, implementing adaptation and mitigation measures is crucial not only to address current challenges but also to prevent further adversities."
Professor Mawuli Dzodzomenyo, lead author of the report and Head of Department at the University of Ghana School of Public Health, highlighted the significance of the CHVA in developing climate-resilient health systems, stating, "By analyzing vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities, decision-makers can identify areas for improvement and allocate resources effectively."
The report provides specific policy recommendations for Ghana to enhance its adaptive capacity, including implementing a 10-year plan to make the health sector resilient to climate change, upgrading health facilities with climate-smart codes, and ensuring consistent availability of drugs and equipment for climate-sensitive infectious diseases. It also calls for multi-sectoral actions to improve health determinants and strengthen emergency communication systems.
In conclusion, the report urges Ghana to take proactive measures to bolster the resilience of its health system in the face of climate change, emphasizing the importance of cooperation across sectors to address this critical challenge.