Climate change and the critical impact on Jamaica’s public health system

AMID RISING concerns over the effects of climate change on small island developing states (SIDS), key stakeholders convened to address the critical impact on Jamaica’s public health system at the Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP) Stakeholder Consultation.

The two-day consultation held from June 20 to 21 in Kingston, highlighted the urgent need for robust strategies to tackle the health challenges posed by climate change. Key stakeholders included representatives from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the European Union (EU), and support from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).

The event underscored the severe and ongoing impact of climate change on SIDS, with the objective of developing resilient health infrastructure in response.

Participants at the consultation explored the multifaceted effects of climate change on health and other sectors, identifying both barriers and opportunities for Jamaica’s development. A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to the objectives of the Green Climate Fund Caribbean Readiness Proposal, emphasising the necessity to strengthen resilience and advance the HNAP.

The HNAP process involves a comprehensive range of activities, from conducting vulnerability assessments to monitoring outcomes, all designed to build a robust health infrastructure capable of withstanding climate-related challenges.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, in her contributions, noted that the health sector is now recognised as a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and health facilities have increased exposure to climate-related hazards.

“We must increase climate action in the health sector. As a Ministry of Health and Wellness we have taken action, but we have much more work to be done that is based on sound evidence and best practice,” Bisasor-McKenzie said.

Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation in Kingston, Aniceto Rodrigues Ruiz, congratulated the Government of Jamaica for taking the steps towards better integration of health and climate policy, and to PAHO and the project team for their facilitation of this process through the regional Climate Change and Health programme.

“The EU is honoured to collaborate with the Caribbean region in these efforts, co-financing with a grant in this regional programme,” he said.

For his part, PAHO/WHO Jamaica Country Representative Ian Stein noted that HNAPs play a pivotal role in developing climate-resilient health systems capable of anticipating, absorbing, and transforming in response to climate impacts.

“They comprehensively assess health system strengths, vulnerabilities, and opportunities for action, outlining detailed multisectoral plans to address climate-related health impacts within the broader framework of National Adaptation Planning,” Stein said.

“Jamaica, committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the health sector, is actively developing its HNAP and identifying any gaps in the system under the Green Climate Fund Caribbean Readiness Project, both under the PAHO/EU/CARIFORUM Strengthening Resilient Health Systems in the Caribbean,” Stein added.

Jamaica is one of the 10 Caribbean countries supported under the PAHO/EU/CARIFORUM Strengthening Resilient Health Systems in the Caribbean for development of the HNAP.

Once finalised, the HNAP report will present key recommendations aimed at informing the development of policies, strategies, and programmes to assist countries in their adaptation processes. This report is expected to be instrumental in guiding Jamaica and other nations in building sustainable, resilient health systems that can effectively respond to the growing challenges posed by climate change.