World Health Assembly recieves intervention presented by Papua New Guinea's Health Minister Dr. Tom Lino on climate change and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), highlighting the critical need for action to mitigate challenges faced by Pacific Island countries and areas.
PNG Minister, Dr. Tom Lino warned on behalf of 22 pacific island countries that the very idea of health for all is under threat from climate change, and that the impacts are being felt first-hand in the Pacific islands, affecting the physical and mental well-being, as well as the very existence of Pacific Islanders.
Minister Tom Lino also drew attention to the devastating impact of climate change on public health, particularly in vulnerable regions, and in places like Papua New Guinea, highlighting the increase of Non-Communicable Diseases due to environmental degradation and climate-related disasters.
“Climate change is directly impacting food and nutrition security of our most vulnerable people. As saltwater soaks coastal soils and extreme weather damages crops, the cost of fruit and vegetables increases, while availability decreases” said Dr. Lino.
Minister Lino said that as discussed last year at the first ever climate-health ministerial at the Conference Of Parties (COP28) that as leaders in our countries and communities, we wield the power to catalyse broader change.
“Firstly, we must lead by example and address the environmental impact of our health systems. We are currently responsible for around 5% of greenhouse gas emissions globally. We need to invest to bolster climate resilience of our health facilities. This must include efforts to attract and retain our health workers, particularly in rural and remote areas” said Dr. Lino.
Dr. Lino continued that “Secondly, we need to take every opportunity to engage with allies in other sectors, and advocate through sharing data on the health co-benefits of climate action. And thirdly, we must prioritise interventions to tackle the public health impacts of climate change. And hold us accountable”.
PNG Minister Lino closed by saying that Climate change is the biggest health threat of the 21st century. And if we are genuinely committed to health for all, we must act decisively, collectively, and immediately to protect our health and the health of future generations.