Kenya has reaffirmed its dedication to limiting how negatively climate change affects the environment and the general public’s health.
Speaking on the eve of the Africa Climate Summit, which begins on Monday, September 4th, in Nairobi, Kenya, the Ministry of Health vowed to address what it called the previously underappreciated effects of health activities on climate change.
According to Mary Muthoni, permanent secretary for public health and professional standards, the implementation of ground-breaking initiatives to combat climate change is on schedule, and there are plans to scale them up in 47 counties.
The programmes include solarizing healthcare facilities, giving eco-friendly goods and equipment top priority, and implementing non-burn technology for managing clinical waste in busy healthcare facilities across the country.
“This pioneering endeavour, valued at Kenya Shillings 2.5 billion, has the potential to be scaled up in the 47 counties,” she said in a statement.
She acknowledges that there is no disputing the fact that rising temperatures, extreme weather, and altered disease patterns pose a serious threat to public health.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the health industry is now acknowledged as the major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with an annual output comparable to 514 coal-fired power plants.
In Kenya, five of the leading causes of death are climate-sensitive and are expected to be exacerbated by projected climate variability and change.
In 2019, lower respiratory infections accounted for 7.3 percent of all deaths. Tuberculosis (5.7%), diarrheal diseases (6.3%), malaria (2.7%), nutritional diseases and neonatal disorders (6.2%), and acute respiratory infections accounted for 19% of all outpatient cases in Kenya.
”Climate impacts and climate change-related health risks disproportionately affect the poor and vulnerable, especially those in rural areas (‘women and girls, children, and the elderly), those with preexisting conditions, internally displaced people, and refugees,’ she says.
With Kenya hosting the historic event that brings together over 30,000 delegates, the PS says it’s an opportunity for the country to showcase its accomplishments and initiatives, including at the critical intersection of Climate Change and Health.
