Georgetown, GINA, April 7, 2008

Climate change is not just an environmental issue, it is more developmental; one that cannot be separated from health and for which collective actions must be taken to address its impact. This is according to Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy who stressed the importance of reducing the impact of climate change at a workshop held today at Cara Lodge in observance of World Health Day.
The Minister said for over 10 years Guyana has been cognizant that global warming is occurring and the country is looking at actions that can mitigate climate change, thereby reducing and reversing its impact.
Minister Ramsammy encouraged participants not to underestimate the impact of climate change on health. “Climate change is now leading to ecological changes in the world,” he said.
He noted that dengue is an issue of concern since there has been an increase of the disease in surrounding counties in South and Central Americas, and in the Caribbean region.
Guyana has not seen deaths from the disease because there is only one type in the country. However, if a person is infected with more than one type it can cause dengue haemorraghic fever. This is accompanied by internal bleeding and can lead to death.
It was noted that malaria is also a problem as a result of climate change. Mosquitoes that carry the malaria virus are present in hinterland areas however, with the effects of climate change the disease may be spread to the coast.
The Health Minister added that another main impact of climate change will be on agriculture. “As climate change causes frequent and longer episodes of drought and flooding, there will be a problem of food shortage…When people cannot purchase food anymore it will have an impact on nutrition,” he said.
In mitigating the impacts of climate change the Minister noted that individuals have to play a part since they contribute to the problem with their wanton disposal of garbage causing the spread of diseases such as leptospirosis.
Minister Ramsammy said that climate change is one of the greatest challenges to the health for all.
Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) country representative, Dr. Kathleen Israel said the aim of WHO is to put health at the centre of the UN agenda for climate change.
“The world population must be involved in efforts to stabilise climate change and also to create advocacy campaigns for generating momentum that compels governments and international organisations to take action and to protect the poor and vulnerable population from the effects of climate change,” she said.
She added that though Guyana contributes little to the production of greenhouse gases which lead to global warming and ultimately climate change it can be impacted in the same way as countries that produce a great deal of greenhouse gases.
“In fact the impact on Guyana can be greater on the poor, children, pregnant women, older adults and indigenous populations due to certain fragile infrastructure and vulnerabilities such as the reality that the vast majority of the Guyanese population is located in lowlands and below sea level,” she said.
Dr. Israel noted, “PAHO/WHO is committed to working with national health authorities and other partners in Guyana to increase the awareness of the health consequences of climate change in assessing specific country risks, and in strengthening health systems to provide protection from climate related risks.”
Meanwhile, at the workshop there was the launch of a climate and health poster competition for secondary schools. It is being held by the National Youth Health Organisation in collaboration with PAHO.
The objectives of the competition are to help teens to understand the change in climate patterns and their impact on health, to encourage students to research the issue, and to encourage advocacy.
The winning poster will be reproduced and placed in various health organizations.
The competition will take place in secondary schools that have health clubs. Currently, there are 71 such schools.
This year’s World Health Day observance coincides with the 60th anniversary of the WHO.