On the Road to Climate Resilience in Zambia
Seed Partners with the Ministry of Health on a Climate and Health Roadmap
We are partnering with the Ministry of Health in Zambia to develop a comprehensive climate and health roadmap, which will outline key steps, goals, and milestones to prioritize and protect the health of Zambians in the face of a changing climate.
At a high-level meeting held in Lusaka from September 11 to 13, the Ministry of Health and Seed convened many of Zambia’s climate and health experts to focus on solutions for a range of climate-related health issues, including the recent cholera outbreak and the ongoing drought. By bringing together government officials, technical working groups, NGOs, donors, and academia, the roadmap will facilitate coordination, collaboration, and effective decision-making.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank our “all-weather” friend, Seed Global Health. We have not taken such huge steps before and thank you for making this effort,” said Dr. George Sinyangwe, permanent secretary donor coordination, on behalf of the minister of health of Zambia.
A key priority of the roadmap is to conduct a climate and health vulnerability assessment. This assessment will provide valuable insights into the specific health risks faced by Zambians and help inform targeted interventions. Additionally, the roadmap will explore opportunities to integrate climate and health considerations into existing national health plans, such as the National Health Strategic Plan and the National Climate Adaptation Plan.
“We’re proud to partner with the Ministry of Health to strengthen climate resilience and adaptation efforts in Zambia, particularly during a time of several climate-related national emergencies,” said Bassim Birkland, Seed Global Health Zambia Country Director. “By working together to build a comprehensive climate and health roadmap, Zambia will build a climate-smart health system and protect our fellow citizens from the effects of our changing climate at this critical time.”
As the global climate crisis intensifies, its impacts on human health are becoming increasingly evident. Up to 3.6 billion people worldwide are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, facing elevated risks of infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
“We want to thank Seed Global Health: you are one of us and we work together every day. We are very grateful for [your] support of our climate and health work,” said Dr. Tambatama, director public health, Ministry of Health.
Working in partnership, Seed Global Health and the Ministry of Health can drive significant progress in protecting the health of Zambians and build a more resilient future.
