Global call made for urgent action and sustainable healthcare solutions: Bahrain

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Experts shed light on the far-reaching consequences of climate change on the healthcare sector during a thought-provoking panel discussion held at the C3 Summit, dubbed the “Davos of Healthcare."

Moderated by Mr. Essam Algobaisi, CEO of the Business Intelligence Group in KSA, the panellists, Mr. Murat Seitnepesov, President of the Greater Caspian Association in Switzerland, and Dr. Naeema Hassan Al-Gasseer, GCC National Health and Development Expert in Bahrain, delved into the pressing issues at hand.

Dr. Al-Gasseer highlighted the vital need to enhance health security in the face of climate change. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, she emphasised the lack of preparedness exhibited by even the most advanced healthcare systems worldwide.

Dr. Al-Gasseer stressed the importance of adhering to international health regulations and the necessity for transparency and information sharing among nations.

Furthermore, she pointed out that climate change plays a significant role in the spread of epidemics and communicable diseases, with 70 percent of such diseases being zoonotic.

“The negative impacts of climate change, including limited access to safe drinking water and malnutrition, particularly affecting girls and women, further exacerbate the health challenges faced by communities globally.”

Urgent action

Meanwhile, Mr. Seitnepesov highlighted the urgent need for action to tackle climate change and its associated problems.

Proposals for climate technologists and the implementation of food standards were discussed as potential solutions.

Notably, initiatives to restore or grow one trillion trees have already been set into motion, with 100 companies having planted 12 billion trees to date.

Mr. Seitnepesov emphasised that climate change can lead to the release of ancient viruses and bacteria through the melting of permafrost.

Additionally, extreme climates in jungles and other regions may foster the emergence of new infectious diseases.

Significant challenge

While progress has been made in vaccine development and prediction, early detection of pathogens remains a significant challenge.

Mr. Seitnepesov proposed the use of digital technology to detect these pathogens in high-traffic areas such as airports, railways, shopping malls, and conferences, thereby minimising the risk of transmission.

As climate-related challenges persist, it is imperative for nations, healthcare systems, and individuals to collectively address this issue and work towards building a resilient and sustainable healthcare infrastructure for the future.