Civil organizations dedicated to enhancing healthcare services recently convened to address the crucial intersection of health and climate change. They included Reproductive Health Uganda, AMREF, PATH, MakDarta, AirQo among others. This prelude to COP 28 in Dubai, scheduled for November, brought together experts from the health and environment management sectors. Their focus centered on the vital themes of mitigation and adaptation as key strategies to shield Uganda from the far-reaching impacts of climate change.

Climate-Induced Challenges:
The symposium shed light on the changing climate conditions, particularly the shifts in rainfall patterns. These changes have triggered an expansion of the geographic range of malaria vectors, posing a heightened risk to numerous communities. Uganda is also grappling with a surge in extreme weather events, ranging from floods to droughts. These events not only directly affect public health but also disrupt critical health infrastructure and services.

Assessing Vulnerability and Formulating Plans:
In response to these challenges, Uganda is currently engaged in a comprehensive vulnerability and adaptation assessment study. This study aims to guide the formulation of a robust Health National Adaptation Plan. Dr. John Bosco Isunju of Makerere University School of Public Health emphasized the likelihood of an increased disease burden due to droughts and floods. Notably, the symposium delved into the vulnerability of the health workforce to floods, storms, heat, and water level rise.

Financial Challenges and Recommendations:
The financial aspect emerged as a critical concern, with Uganda requiring up to $28.1 billion USD to implement necessary adaptation, mitigation, and coordination activities. Regrettably, the available budget falls significantly short at $4.1 billion USD, says Dr. Charles Batte from Tree Adoption Uganda. Civil organizations and private sector stakeholders are advocating for increased government financing for the health sector, highlighting a financing gap of approximately $24 billion USD.

Moving Forward:
As the symposium drew to a close, participants emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to fortify the health sector against the effects of climate change. Dr. Herbert Nabaasa, representing the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Health Uganda, underscored the interconnectedness of diseases, including the recent outbreak of Cholera, with climate change. The collaborative strategies discussed aim to enhance the resilience of health systems, reducing the overall impact of climate change on public health.

Global Insights:
A 2021 Global Health and Climate Survey revealed a staggering statistic – 70% of countries lack the resources to adequately address their climate and health needs. This underscores the global urgency for concerted efforts to tackle the challenges posed by climate change on public health.

In conclusion, the symposium served as a crucial platform for sharing insights, strategies, and recommendations to address the complex interplay between health and climate change. As we look ahead to COP 28, the global community is called upon to unite in securing the necessary resources and implementing collaborative measures to build climate adaptation in healthcare systems worldwide. Tree Adoption Uganda remains committed to contributing to this collective effort, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for communities everywhere. Stay tuned for more updates and outcomes from our ongoing initiatives!