Navigating community health amid effects of climate change
Source: Chronicle News Service / Nongmaithem Debarani Devi

Imphal, June 28 2024: Kumudini (name changed) could never have foreseen that the tranquil Imphal River, which idly flows through Khabam, her native village in Manipur, would one night surge beyond its banks, inundating everything on its path.

The aftermath of the flood left her community scrambling to clean up, wary of looming health risks.

As they worked to restore their homes, Kumudini, like many in her neighbourhood, resorted to burning egg trays as she could not afford the conventional mosquito repellents.

However, these desperate measures pose significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups within the community.

The intersection of community health and climate change, often overlooked or denied by some, is an undeniable reality manifesting itself in the face of rising global temperatures and resulting environmental upheavals.

Since late 1800s, global surface temperatures have increased by approximately 1�C, leading to a series of consequences including extreme weather events, degrading air quality, and heightened risks of floods, landslides, and disease outbreaks.

These environmental shifts directly threaten public health at both individual and community levels.

Certain demographic groups are particularly susceptible to the health impacts of climate change.

Among them are pregnant women, children, the elderly, outdoor workers, and individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.

As temperatures soar, so do the risks of heat-related illnesses such as heat strokes, dehydration, and aggravation of chronic health issues.

Moreover, the mental health toll on both the affected individuals and their caregivers cannot be underestimated.

Presently, Manipur faces a dual crisis aggravated by the ongoing conflict which displaced thousands and recent disasters like Cyclone Remal, which triggered devastating floods, increasing the affected people's vulnerability to vector-borne diseases.

Access to clean water and food has been compromised, heightening the risk of waterborne illnesses.

Against this backdrop, India's dismal ranking of 176th out of 180 countries in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index underscores the urgent need for comprehensive climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, particularly in states like Manipur where health infrastructure is under strain.

Recognizing these challenges, the Manipur State Action Plan on Climate Change has outlined key strategies to bolster public health resilience.

These include enhancing surveillance systems, establishing advanced research laboratories, integrating climate considerations into health policies, and fostering community-level health initiatives.

However, translating these strategies into effective action requires coordinated efforts across government agencies, local communities, and healthcare providers.

Dr Jayananda Singh, the MO in-charge of Heingang Primary Health Centre (PHC), emphasised the pivotal role of grassroots health centres in addressing climate-related health challenges.

At PHCs and sub-centres, community health workers like Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and local health committees play a crucial role in disseminating climate change-related health information and promoting adaptive practices.

Despite facing resource constraints and limited manpower, these frontline health workers are instrumental in conducting health awareness campaigns, facilitating early intervention during emergencies, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare resources.

In response to recent floods in Imphal East district, including areas serviced by Heingang PHC, health camps were set up near relief centres to monitor and manage health risks among affected populations.

Although no significant outbreaks of vector-borne diseases has been reported, cases of waterborne illnesses such as typhoid and gastrointestinal infections have surfaced, predominantly among children in areas lacking adequate sanitation infrastructure, he informed.

Dr Jayananda underscored the need for improved healthcare delivery and preparedness in the face of climate-induced health threats.

The PHC teams, comprising dedicated medical personnel, ASHAs, and community volunteers, conduct door-to-door health surveys, provide on-the-spot treatments, and distribute essential medicines.

Nevertheless, the vast geographic coverage of a single PHC poses logistical challenges, necessitating increased staffing, sustained financial support, and ongoing training for healthcare providers and community health workers, he added.

Manipur's efforts under the National Program for Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) are still in nascent stage compared to other states, entailing accelerated implementation and greater awareness among healthcare providers and local stakeholders.

Dr Jayananda, thus, stressed the need for proactive measures to mitigate climate risks, while warning of disastrous consequences if climate-related health issues are not addressed promptly and comprehensively.

Looking ahead, the integration of climate-resilient health policies, enhanced community engagement, and robust healthcare infrastructure are critical steps in safeguarding public health amidst escalating climate uncertainties.

Collaboration between policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders is also essential to build adaptive capacity, foster sustainable health practices, and mitigate the health impacts of climate change.

In conclusion, Kumudini's experience serves as a poignant reminder of the profound intersection between environmental resilience and public health.

As communities like hers strive to recover and rebuild life in the aftermath of natural (disasters, prioritising climate-smart health strategies becomes not only a matter of survival but also a testament to our collective commitment to safeguarding the well-being of all, especially the most vulnerable among us.

(The report has been filed under the 5th Media Fellowship Programme on Climate Change Reporting under the sponsorship of Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur) .

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