he connection between climate and public health demands urgent attention. As the climate crisis worsens, so does the health crisis. The recent climate catastrophe in Pakistan, where devastating floods wreaked havoc, serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of climate change on human health. Here, we explore the impact of the climate crisis on public health and the need for policymakers and the society to address the worrying situation.

Climate crises affect human health in various ways. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events and changes in precipitation patterns contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, malnutrition, and other health disorders. Heatwaves, for instance, can lead to heatstroke, exacerbate cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and cause deaths. Floods, storms and droughts result in the displacement of populations, destruction of infrastructure and contamination of water sources, leading to increased risk of waterborne diseases.

Pakistan experienced devastating floods recently. These floods caused extensive damage to homes, crops and livelihoods and led to a severe health crisis. Contaminated water, lack of sanitation facilities and overcrowded relief camps created a breeding ground for waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid. The flood-affected areas urgently needed medical assistance to address the health emergency that followed.

At the time, I was working in one of the biggest hospitals in Lahore. Watching the unfolding devastation caused by floods in the rural areas of Pakistan, we realised the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for medical relief. We mobilised a team of doctors and volunteers for relief work in flood-hit areas and set up free medical camps, providing essential medicines and first aid. Our teams provided medical care to thousands of patients. Our efforts not only saved lives but also prevented the spread of diseases and alleviated the suffering of the affected population.

Reaching out to people in some of the worst hit areas was humanly impossible at the time. When we were in Sohbatpur, Balochistan, people alerted us about some 200 people stranded due to the flooding. They were inaccessible but in urgent need of medical care. Some locals volunteered to carry us on charpoys. My colleague Dr Jawad Arif and I sat on a charpoy that was carried by four volunteers through the flood waters. When we reached the small village, we found people suffering from malaria and severe skin diseases like scabies and impetigo.

The ground situation was immensely challenging. Every medical camp proved to be a test. What steered us through those times was the morale of the villagers and the volunteers, who gave us the strength to keep going.

The climate crisis is a complex issue that requires comprehensive action from policymakers, healthcare professionals and the society. Public policy should prioritise investments in climate resilience, including early warning systems, infrastructure development and disaster preparedness. Additionally, efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards renewable energy sources are essential to mitigate the long-term health impacts of climate change.

Policymakers must also recognise the importance of addressing the health consequences of the climate crisis. Investing in healthcare infrastructure, providing access to quality healthcare in vulnerable areas and strengthening disease surveillance systems is crucial. Collaborative efforts between the healthcare sector, government agencies and community organisations are essential to ensure effective responses to climate-related health emergencies.

The recent floods in Pakistan are a powerful reminder of the urgent need for action. Our team’s efforts – organising medical camps and providing relief to those in need – demonstrate the crucial role healthcare professionals play in addressing the health consequences of climate change.

By investing in climate resilience and promoting sustainable practices, we can protect the well-being of current and future generations. It is high time we recognised the climate crisis as a health crisis and take decisive action to address its consequences. Only through collective efforts can we protect human health and secure a sustainable future.

The writer is a health practitioner, health climate activist and founder of Khalq Health Clinic