Chiponda lobbies for more health sector investments at COP28
Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has reiterated the need for more investments in least developed countries like Malawi to strengthen human health resilience to effects of climate change.
Speaking on Sunday during the opening of a Health Day at the on-going 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Chiponda said negotiators and wealthy nations should support communities in the vulnerable countries to adapt.
“Most of countries in the global south, like Malawi, contributed less of the global carbon emissions that has caused the climate crisis, but are battered the worst. It is high time the wealthy nations commit to providing funds to the Loss and Damage Fund as this will help survivors of the climate-related disasters recover,” she said.
Chiponda said the climate crisis is fueling health challenges in developing countries.
“There are effects of cholera and malaria outbreaks in Malawi. These call for urgent adaptation and mitigation measures to sustain strides in the health sector. Otherwise, climate-related disasters will still cost us more lives, cause injuries, loss of property and worsening mental disorders, among other losses and damages,” she said
In his remarks, World Health Organisation director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he is optimist that COP28 leaders will ensure countries in need of support are assisted accordingly to strengthen their health sectors.
“Health should be part of climate change discourse. There should be bold moves in climate action for our health and well-being,” he said.
Renowned philanthropist Bill Gates said he is committed to help health researchers and leaders to work on solutions that will tackle health challenges caused by the climate change.
According to the Malawi 2023 Tropical Cyclone Freddy Post disaster needs assessment, total damage caused in the health and nutrition sectors across the 16 affected districts is estimated at $4.14 million.
