Health dept to have climate change cell

PESHAWAR: Health Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah has announced that a Climate Change Cell will be established in the Health Department to address the growing health challenges posed by climate change.

He emphasized that health was one of the first sectors to be impacted by climate-induced disasters such as floods and other natural calamities.“Climate change has introduced new health challenges to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with diseases like malaria, dengue, and leishmaniasis making their way into the region. Instead of merely responding to outbreaks, we must now focus on preventing them and preparing our health department to tackle the impacts of climate change effectively,” stated the minister.

He said in recent years, monsoon-triggered floods had led to a significant increase in malaria cases, particularly in the southern districts.Contaminated drinking water during floods has also resulted in the spread of gastrointestinal diseases, he pointed out.

The minister said that additionally skin conditions and vector-borne diseases had become more prevalent, all of which are consequences of climate change.Extreme heat and cold waves are particularly affecting vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and women, he added.

The minister said that climate change was impacting health centers, healthcare workers, and the public alike.He said: “Climate change is the most significant public health challenge we face today. To address these challenges, the establishment of a Climate Change Cell within the Health Department is essential. All departmental actions, projects, and initiatives must be reviewed with climate change in mind.”

The minister informed that technical consultations had been completed and the formal establishment of the Climate Change Cell would be materialized soon.He said the initiative marked a critical step towards making the health sector of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa more resilient to the impacts of climate change, ensuring better preparedness and response in the face of emerging health threats.