To improve the capacity of Caribbean countries to reduce the negative impacts of climate change on health, using the One Health approach within the CARPHA's Caribbean Cooperation in Health, phase IV (CCH IV) framework.
Regional health systems and populations remain highly vulnerable to impacts from climate change causing: extreme weather; negative effects on food and water security; impacts to health and wellbeing; lost/reduced work capacity – migration; economic impacts; and inability to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Using a one-health approach within the Caribbean Cooperation in Health Phase IV (CCH IV) Framework, this programme will contribute to reduced mortality and morbidity from expected health consequences of climate change in Caribbean countries.
The Problem: Climate change has had a significant impact on people’s health and well-being in the Caribbean region - disrupting physical, biological, economic, and ecological systems. These disturbances can exacerbate existing health inequalities and/or create new ones. Evidence and the recognition of climate and weather-related impacts on human health in the Caribbean has increased and Caribbean people have taken note of the abnormally hot days, floods, and repeated and prolonged droughts. It is further recognized how climate change negatively affects national socio-economic development. These events are impacting workers’ health, causing lost capacity and reducing labour productivity in vulnerable populations, already impacted by migration, and jeopardizing attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Overall objective: contribute to reduced mortality and morbidity from expected health consequences of climate change (CC) in Caribbean countries
Outcome specific objective: Using a One Health approach within the CCH-IV framework, Caribbean countries have increased capacity to adapt and reduce the effects of CC on public health
COMPONENT 1: ADAPTATION AND TEST OF PAHO/WHO TOOLS TO ESTIMATE HEALTH BENEFITS
COMPONENT 2: COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CHAPTER IN NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLANS
COMPONENT 3: IMPROVED SURVEILLANCE CAPACITY OF PROFESSIONALS WORKING IN HEALTH AND HEALTH-DETERMINING SECTORS
COMPONENT 4: STRONG EFFECTIVE CLIMATE CHANGE LEADERSHIP