K-P launches climate, health adaptation plan

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Advisor Ihtisham Ali on Thursday launched Pakistan's first-ever Climate and Health Adaptation Plan under the provincial health department.

Speaking at the launch ceremony as the chief guest, Ihtisham Ali emphasized climate change has led to the spread of diseases like dengue and malaria to regions previously unaffected.

The newly introduced plan aims at mitigating climate-related health challenges by ensuring policy implementation, including the establishment of a Climate Change Cell within the health department.

The launch event was attended by key figures, including Additional DG Health, Dr Shahid Younus, Chief HSRU, Dr Khalil Iftikhar and head of the Health and Education Group at the British High Commission, Maria Wyerd.

Ali stated, "Prior to this launch, we conducted research on the health impacts of climate change in K-P. Based on these findings, we have developed this plan, which serves as a roadmap for combating the health effects of climate change. This budget will enable us to address climate-induced diseases effectively."

The Climate and Health Adaptation Plan estimates that the economic burden of health challenges in K-P could exceed Rs5,541 billion by 2030 due to climate change if an action was not taken.

In contrast, implementing the proposed roadmap will require only Rs315 billion, a significantly lower cost to protect public health, he quoted the launched report.

He further emphasized, "This plan demonstrates K-P government's commitment to addressing the rising health impacts of climate change, including heat stress, waterborne diseases and vector-borne illnesses. Our priority is to protect vulnerable groups such as women, children and the elderly."

Dr Shahid Younus noted that the frequency and severity of climate shocks were expected to increase in the coming decades, resulting in heightened health risks.

Maria Wyerd praised the initiative, saying, "The Climate and Health Adaptation Plan presented by the K-P government offers evidence-based and cost-effective solutions to reduce climate-related health risks. UK is proud to support K-P through meaningful technical assistance to build a better healthcare system."

The plan outlines short, medium and long-term measures, including establishing a Climate Health Unit and forming an intersectoral technical working group, she added.

While pointing out the long-term measures, she emphasized that sustainable financing for climate-resilient health systems along with contributions to the Pakistan National Health Adaptation Plan would ensure the effectiveness of this plan.