THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has noted with concern, the serious implications of global warming and climate change on public health, for developing countries such as Guyana.

Pointing to some of the key concerns, a release coming out of the GPHC noted the serious implications of certain human activities on global climate, adding that immediate steps must be taken to halt this trend.

The release pointed to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) warning that: ??veloping countries like Guyana will be the most adversely affected by Climate Change.”

Noting that despite efforts by Government and other stakeholders at the national level the issue of global warming and climate change has not yet really grabbed the attention of all, the release sought to stress the gravity of the influence climate and weather on health through natural disasters. Such disasters include floods as experienced locally in January 2005.

According to the WHO, weather and climate also influence patterns of life threatening vector borne diseases such as Malaria – of which Guyana is currently fighting to rid itself.

It stressed that the issue of climate change is multi dimensional, as it affects all aspects of everyday living, adding that Guyana, through programmes and initiatives spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and its partners, such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the nation is equipped to do its part in protecting health from climate change.

Global Warming and its effects on climate change have emerged as one of the most discussed phenomena in recent years, because of the certainly devastating impact it can have on people across the globe. Notwithstanding, there is a role every person can play towards alleviating the effects of global warming and climate change on the health of the nation.

To this end, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has aptly chosen as its theme for the observance of World Health Day 2008: ‘Protecting Health from Climate Change.’

The GPHC noted that, the preservation of Guyana’s pristine rainforest is a definite advantage in protecting health from climate change since according to the World Health Organization, deforestation contributes to climate change and destroys sources of foods and herbs.

Statistics from the World Health Organization reveal that the rising sea levels increases risk of coastal flooding and could cause population displacement. More than half of the world’s population now lives within 60 kilometres of shorelines.

Further, varied rainfall patterns are likely to compromise fresh water supply and water scarcity already affects 4 out of every 10 people. A lack of water can compromise hygiene and health which increases diarrhoea which kills 1.8 million people yearly.

Other activities in which the ordinary citizen can become involved in the bid to protect his/her health from climate change include - physical activities such as walking, running and cycling since these can drastically reduce the chances of obesity and other complications related to the lack of exercise.

The release commended the Ministry of Health for its efforts in ensuring that this element is achieved, through initiatives such as the Million-Mile Challenge for Health.

“We must ensure that we do our part to protect health from climate change. The disturbing statistics demand it,” the release concluded.