The Oxford Global Health Society has launched its Conference on Climate Change and Health System Resilience, bringing together experts to address the critical intersection of climate change and global health.
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The society’s President, Dr. Francis Ayomoh, who is also a DPhil Candidate in Primary Health Care at the University of Oxford, highlighted the immediate and far-reaching effects of climate change on global health.
He noted that millions worldwide are already experiencing health impacts due to rising temperatures, extreme weather events, shifting disease patterns, and food and water insecurity.
Dr. Ayomoh underscored the society’s commitment to advancing global health through education, research, and advocacy. He described the Oxford Global Health Society as a collective of scholars, professionals, and students dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
“Our mission is to address global health challenges and promote equity in healthcare access and outcomes worldwide, and there is need for a united approach to tackling these complex issues”. Dr. Ayomoh stated.
“The conference agenda includes two significant panel discussions aimed at delving into these pressing topics. The first panel, “Climate Change and Emerging Health Threats: Preparing for the Unknown,” will focus on the direct health threats posed by climate change and the strategies required for proactive preparedness”.
“The second panel, “Policy and Governance for Climate Change: Reducing the Impact of Health Systems on the Environment,” will explore policies and governance strategies to minimize the environmental footprint of health systems and enhance their resilience”. He added.
Dr. Ayomoh emphasized the importance of the conference in making significant strides toward understanding and addressing the health impacts of climate change.
He reiterated the society’s dedication to fostering a collaborative approach to building a healthier and more resilient future for all.
In her opening remarks at the conference, Dr. Marina Romanello, Executive Director of the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, highlighted the urgent and escalating impacts of climate change on global health.
She emphasized the extensive collaborative effort involving approximately 300 researchers from nearly 100 institutions worldwide, contributing to the annual Lancet Countdown report.
“This report, published ahead of the COP meetings, tracks global mean decadal heating, currently at 1.14°C, and its repercussions on health”. She said.
Dr. Romanello stressed that “climate change is fundamentally a health issue,” an area that remains significantly underfunded in research. She pointed out that those least responsible for global emissions are suffering the most severe consequences, exacerbating existing global health inequities.
“All countries are affected, but underserved communities face the brunt, resulting in a vicious cycle of worsening health outcomes. Heat-related mortality has surged by 85% among those over 65 since the 1990s, with increased cases of heat stress, kidney injuries, and exacerbation of pre-existing health conditions”. She explained.
“Moreover, the impact of heat on productivity has been largely overlooked, with a 42% rise in work hours lost due to heat in 2022 compared to the 1990s, significantly affecting agricultural workers and food production”.
“The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including wildfires, have also risen, contributing to growing food insecurity. Today, 127 million more people experience moderate to severe food insecurity compared to the 1950s.
Additionally, diseases such as dengue and malaria are spreading to new regions, straining health systems unprepared for these challenges.
Dr. Romanello highlighted the lack of sufficient funding for climate adaptation, with only 18% of the Green Climate Fund allocated to health-beneficial projects in 2022, and no significant increase in the greening of urban centers.
Looking ahead, Dr. Romanello warned of dire predictions by mid-century if global temperatures rise by 2°C, including a 370% increase in heat-related deaths annually, a 50% increase in work hours lost to heat, and a 525 million increase in the number of people facing food insecurity due to heat waves.
“Additionally, dengue transmission potential is expected to rise by 37%. These risks exceed the current capacity of health systems to adapt, there is urgent need for comprehensive climate action”. She added.
Professor Lucie Cluver, Professor of Child and Family Social Work, emphasized the critical nature of sustainable healthcare in addressing the current and future health challenges posed by climate change.
She underscored the necessity of understanding the pathways leading to these problems, stressing that there is no luxury of time to delay action.
Professor Cluver highlighted the importance of simultaneously identifying solutions and mitigators to this complex issue, advocating for strong partnerships with affected communities and policymakers.
She therefore call for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to tackling climate change. Sustainable healthcare is not just a challenge but an opportunity to transform the way care is provided, promoting healthier populations and a healthier planet. The health sector, she argued, must play a leading role in these efforts, bringing its expertise and perspective to the table in policy discussions and decision-making processes.
Dr. Francis Ayomoh extended heartfelt thanks to the distinguished speakers, panelists, and participants, acknowledging the value of their contributions.
He expressed confidence that the collaborative efforts of the attendees would yield actionable insights and strategies to tackle these critical issues.
“The society remains steadfast in its mission to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and promote equitable healthcare access and outcomes globally”.
“The Oxford Global Health Society’s initiative comes at a crucial time when the world is increasingly recognizing the interconnectedness of climate change and health. The conference serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative action, reinforcing the society’s role as a leader in global health advocacy and resilience building”, He added.
