1st AHPICON NE-II 2025 to focus on impact of climate change on human health
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 09 2024: The Association of Healthcare Providers (India) AHPI, NE II is organising its first ever conclave "AHPICON NE II 2025" on February 15, 2025 at the City Convention Centre, Imphal East on the theme "Impact of Climate Change on Human Health" .

This was announced by Dr Khundongbam Palin, organising chairman of AHPICON NE II, at IMA Conclave Hall, Lamphel today.

Speaking to reporters, Dr Palin said the AHPICON NE II 2025 will be a landmark conclave which will raise awareness, help develop strategies to address the impact of climate change on human health in the region.

1st AHPICON NE-II 2025 to focus on impact of climate change on human health

Explaining the Association of Healthcare providers India (AHPI), Dr Palin said, the AHPI is based in New Delhi and it represents the majority of healthcare providers in India.

It works as a "not for profit" organization and advocates with the Government, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders to deliver appropriate healthcare services to the community at large, he said.

Dr Palin said the AHPI Manipur Chapter was formed in early 2020 when COVID-19 pandemic started.

He said the AHPI has been actively involved in the mass awareness campaign, treatment and Covid vaccination, palliative care, patient safety culture, etc.

He informed that Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh are AHPI NE-II States and other NE States are AHPI NE-I .

The 1st AHPICON NE II 2025 aims to raise awareness, facilitate dialogue, and develop strategies to address the impact of climate change on human health in the region, he said.

Rising sea level, increasing temperature, increasing frequency of flood and drought, food scarcity and communicable diseases are brought about by climate change, which affects human health, he added.

Explaining, he said the human health impacts of climate include respiratory issues, heat-related illness, water-borne diseases, vector-borne diseases, food-borne diseases and mental health problems.

Respiratory issues: Warmer temperatures and air pollution exacerbate asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory problems.

Heat-related illnesses: Increased frequency and severity of heatwaves lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and mortality.

Water-borne diseases: Changes in precipitation patterns and water quality increase the spread of water-borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and cryptosporidiosis.

Vector-borne diseases: Climate change alters the habitats and distribution of disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes (Malaria, Dengue) and ticks (Lyme disease) .

Food-borne diseases: Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns contaminate food and water, leading to food poisoning and other illnesses.

Mental health: Climate change stress, displacement, and loss of livelihoods contribute to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) .

Nutrition and food security: Climate impacts on agriculture lead to food insecurity, malnutrition, and related health issues.

Displacement and migration: Climate-related displacement increases the risk of health problems due to inadequate shelter, sanitation, and healthcare access.

Extreme weather events: Increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires and floods resulting in injuries, fatalities, and long-term health consequences.

Dr Palin said children, older adults, low-income communities, and those with preexisting medical conditions are disproportionately affected by climate change's health impacts.

It is essential to address climate change to mitigate its far-reaching consequences for human health, he added.

The AHPICON NE II 2025 will be jointly organised by the AHPI, , State Environment and Climate Change, Health Department, Manipur Pollution Control Board, National Health Mission, Indian Medical Association (IMA) Manipur State Branch, Health and Environment Leadership Platform (HELP), National One Health Program and Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations CAHO.

The conclave will raise awareness among stakeholders about the impact of climate change on human health, identify key challenges and opportunities for addressing climate change and human health.

It will also develop a roadmap for implementing climate-resilient health care strategies.

A number of resource persons will attend the conclave.

The event is expected to attract more than 600 participants including Government officials of several Departments, National Health Mission, representatives of healthcare providers, IMA members, academia and research institutions, media and medical students.

AHPICON NE II organising secretary Dr Kh Ratankumar and AHPI Manipur Chapter secretary Dr James Elangbam were present at the IMA conclave hall.