Geoffrey Ocan’s Post

NDCs: A Path to Stronger, Climate-Resilient Health Systems Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) present a vital opportunity for increased ambition in public health. By integrating health into climate action, NDCs can pave the way for the creation of climate-resilient health systems that are better prepared to withstand the impacts of climate change. Prioritizing health adaptation programs ensures that vulnerable populations are protected from climate-related health risks like heatwaves, disease outbreaks, and extreme weather events. Strengthening health infrastructure and services in the face of climate challenges will not only save lives but also build healthier, more sustainable communities. Investing in climate resilience is investing in the future of public health. #climatejustice

It's important to explore this toolkit as a professional and I encourage #youth advocates to do so too. We must all be equipped to change the narrative in our community, especially with the rising number of climate change events across different nations. The reintroduction of some of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (#NTDs) back into different #communities is a result of #climatechange and the increase of vector-borne diseases (#VBD) is ever-increasing. Beyond the healthcare professionals, we the youth must raise awareness for climate resilience and #WASH as as a #preventive priority in our #community. And the time is now. What are you doing to increase awareness in your community and country? #climateresilient #youthinaction #Youthadvocates #BeatNTDs #YouthcombatingNTDs

#GreenPodiatry is well aligned with this commitment to address the health impacts of climate change, and the role of healthcare professional and systems in addressing emissions. 🍃👣🌏🍃 At least 5% of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions come from the healthcare sector, so we have responsibility to act for health. #GreenPodiatry advocates 3 pillars: - exercise: active travel is low emission, and good for health - evidence: interventions unsupported by science need to stop (especially if also emission heavy) - everyday changes: mostly around reducing supply chains - buy less & local. A free access #GreenPodiatry article here: https://lnkd.in/gQYmpYTV Just yesterday, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University honours research students and I were in discussion around the benefits and obstacles affecting their active travel, and the benefits of physical activity of both human and planet health. It's great to be working with future colleagues, who are already leading in this crucial health space. School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University La Trobe University Remy Shergill The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) Climate and Health Alliance Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow Royal College of Podiatry APodA APodA

Is climate change the biggest health threat of our century? If you're a healthcare professional, you already know the answer. “Climate change is linked to extreme weather events, water and food security challenges, poor air quality, and more”. But what makes this truly alarming is that its effects are already being felt in every community worldwide. Health professionals like you are uniquely positioned to make a real impact. Your voice is trusted, and you have a deep understanding of both individual health and the broader systems that support it. As the WHO emphasizes, "talking about climate change as a health issue has considerable potential to build public support for climate solutions". Not only can you empower your patients to make better health decisions today, but your advocacy can influence policymakers to take necessary action. Solutions like clean energy and green spaces don’t just combat climate change—they immediately benefit community health. According to WHO, reducing greenhouse gas emissions can save roughly $2 in health costs for every dollar spent. So, here’s the challenge: Start the conversation. Whether it’s in the clinic, the boardroom, or with policymakers, your role as a health advocate is essential to shaping a healthier, more sustainable future. The science is clear, the time to act is now, and your voice is critical. Let's turn climate action into a health win for all! #ClimateHealth #HealthcareLeadership #SustainableHealthcare #ClimateAction #HealthProfessionals #PublicHealth #CleanEnergy #GreenHealthcare #HealthAndEnvironment #ClimateSolutions #GlobalHealth #HealthAdvocacy #HealthyFuture World Health Organization Health Canada | Santé Canada Climate and Health Alliance Center for Climate Change Communication, George Mason University Global Climate and Health Alliance Canadian Medical Association Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health Remy Shergill Shreya Shrikhande Marina Maiero Alexandra Egorova Ed Maibach

The research article "The Double Burden: Climate Change Challenges for Health Systems" presents a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between climate change and health systems. The study reveals several key findings: a) Climate change significantly impacts health systems worldwide, posing challenges to their ability to promote, restore, and maintain health. b) Health impacts of climate change include increased morbidity and mortality due to extreme weather events, air pollution, and waterborne illnesses. c) Climate change exacerbates health inequities, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. d) Health systems must adapt to protect population health while simultaneously reducing their own environmental impact. e) The study identifies five main thematic areas: adaptation and tolerance, collaboration and global perspectives, health impacts, policy design, and public perception and awareness. This study provides a valuable contribution to the understanding of climate change impacts on health systems and offers important insights for building more resilient and adaptive health systems in the face of ongoing climate challenges. Dive deeper into the research details below 👇 #ClimateChange #GlobalHealth #HealthSystems #ClimateResilience #PublicHealth #HealthcareInnovation #SustainableHealthcare #HealthEquity #ClimateAction #OneHealth #EnvironmentalHealth #HealthPolicy #AdaptationStrategies #SDGs #ResearchImpact

Well done to the Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit (Bendigo Health) for the 2023 launch of a valuable CLIMATE CHANGE AND HEALTH FRAMEWORK, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of their community, while contributing to a sustainable future. If public health and climate change adaptation and mitigation are your passion, then you might enjoy exploring their approach. The guide: 1. demonstrates how climate change impacts people’s health and wellbeing 2. demonstrates the co-benefits of climate change action and health outcomes 3. identifies opportunities for organisations to work in the climate change adaptation 4. provides a framework for organisations to implement climate change adaptation and mitigation action 5. supports evaluation of effort with the inclusion of suggested indicators and associated data sources 6. provides recommendations for the implementation of the framework. #publichealth #climatechange #liveability Loddon Mallee Climate Change and Health Framework BH (bendigohealth.org.au)

What is public health? Climate change affects people’s health in many ways. Rising temperatures, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and shifts in ecosystems lead to a range of public health challenges, including heat-related illnesses, the spread of vector-borne diseases, food and water insecurity, and respiratory problems from poor air quality. The effects of climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, exacerbating health disparities. By developing strategies that prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting natural resources, and enhancing community resilience, climate change professionals are not just addressing environmental concerns; they are safeguarding the health of entire populations. Their work goes beyond environmental protection; it’s about fostering equitable, healthy communities in the face of climate challenges. #EquityMatters #PublicHealth #WhatIsPublicHealth #HealthEquity #HealthyCommunities

💡 New report analyzes 219 insights from 122 health professionals managing climate impacts. From shifting disease patterns to innovative solutions: https://lnkd.in/ew3DpGbJ Evidence from those who can’t wait for policy to catch up. #ClimateAction #GlobalHealth

Looking to learn from the wisdom of the crowds on climate and health. Unless you live under a rock, it is impossible to miss the buzz around the topic. After several conversations with colleagues in global health, it became apparent that people have a really varied understanding of what the field even refers to. In private, some were even cynical and felt that many were just slapping on the climate tag to everything just to access climate capital. I would love to build a crowd-sourced, jargon-free version of what types of problems/challenges are covered in the area of climate and health. (Something that you can explain to a 14-year-old).  Here is my first cut (and given the purpose, I plead guilty to gross oversimplifications) of the types of challenges in this space in plain English: 1.        Climate change affects healthcare service delivery: Healthcare services and associated systems (e.g. manufacturing and supply chain, financing, patient access to facilities, etc) are impaired by climate shocks such as floods/hurricanes/heatwaves or by sustained changes to the climate (e.g. longer hotter seasons and higher average temperatures, rise in sea levels in some countries) 2.        Climate change affects human health  - Old diseases/conditions appear more often or for longer periods, or affect more people* - Old diseases/conditions appear in new places*  - Old diseases/conditions become more severe  - New diseases/conditions appear What did I miss? What is not relevant? Help us improve this by providing comments below.  Please tag climate and health experts that the community should follow, and share links to any useful resources. --- * may be mediated by worse nutrition, water issues, changed pathogen/vector behaviour, human migration, etc. #climateandhealth #globalhealth #publichealth #climatechange Manjot Kaur Alessio Damato Chandni Goel Prisha Saxena Amit Garg Steve Kretschmer

https://lnkd.in/edGsbXYp 🌍 Climate change is a pressing public health issue that demands immediate attention. In my recent publication, I explore how climate change increases the risk of extreme weather events and infectious diseases. I highlight the need for technological innovation, resilient healthcare systems, and community engagement to combat these challenges. By focusing on education and proactive strategies, we can strengthen community resilience and create a healthier future for all. Check out the full article for more insights. #ClimateChange #PublicHealth #Resilience #CommunityEngagement