Belay Simane1, Hunachew Beyene2, Wakgari Deressa2, Abera Kumie2, Kiros Berhane3, Jonathan Samet3. 1. College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. 2. School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. 3. Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This review assessed Ethiopia's existing situation on issues related to the environment, climate change and health, and identifies gaps and needs that can be addressed through research, training, and capacity building. METHODS: The research was conducted through a comprehensive review of available secondary data and interviewing key informants in various national organizations involved in climate change adaptation and mitigation activities. RESULTS: Climate change-related health problems, such as mortality and morbidity due to floods and heat waves, vector-borne diseases, water-borne diseases, meningitis, and air pollution-related respiratory diseases are increasing in Ethiopia. Sensitive systems such as agriculture, health, and water have been affected, and the effects of climate change will continue to magnify without the right adaptation and mitigation measures. Currently, research on climate change and health is not adequately developed in Ethiopia. Research and other activities appear to be fragmented and uncoordinated. As a result, very few spatially detailed and methodologically consistent studies have been made to assess the impact of climate in the country. There has often been a lack of sufficient collaboration among organizations on the planning and execution of climate change and health activities, and the lack of trained professionals who can perform climate change and health-related research activities at various levels. CONCLUSION: Firstly, there is a lack of organized structure in the various organizations. Secondly, there is inadequate level of inter-sectoral collaboration and poor coordination and communication among different stakeholders. Thirdly, there are no reliable policy guidelines and programs among organizations, agencies and offices that target climate change and health. Fourth, the existing policies fail to consider the gender and community-related dimensions of climate change. Fifth, the monitoring and evaluation efforts exerted on climate change and health activities are not strong enough to address the climate change and health issues in the country.
BACKGROUND: This review assessed Ethiopia's existing situation on issues related to the environment, climate change and health, and identifies gaps and needs that can be addressed through research, training, and capacity building. METHODS: The research was conducted through a comprehensive review of available secondary data and interviewing key informants in various national organizations involved in climate change adaptation and mitigation activities. RESULTS: Climate change-related health problems, such as mortality and morbidity due to floods and heat waves, vector-borne diseases, water-borne diseases, meningitis, and air pollution-related respiratory diseases are increasing in Ethiopia. Sensitive systems such as agriculture, health, and water have been affected, and the effects of climate change will continue to magnify without the right adaptation and mitigation measures. Currently, research on climate change and health is not adequately developed in Ethiopia. Research and other activities appear to be fragmented and uncoordinated. As a result, very few spatially detailed and methodologically consistent studies have been made to assess the impact of climate in the country. There has often been a lack of sufficient collaboration among organizations on the planning and execution of climate change and health activities, and the lack of trained professionals who can perform climate change and health-related research activities at various levels. CONCLUSION: Firstly, there is a lack of organized structure in the various organizations. Secondly, there is inadequate level of inter-sectoral collaboration and poor coordination and communication among different stakeholders. Thirdly, there are no reliable policy guidelines and programs among organizations, agencies and offices that target climate change and health. Fourth, the existing policies fail to consider the gender and community-related dimensions of climate change. Fifth, the monitoring and evaluation efforts exerted on climate change and health activities are not strong enough to address the climate change and health issues in the country.
Authors: Xiao-Nong Zhou; Guo-Jing Yang; Kun Yang; Xian-Hong Wang; Qing-Biao Hong; Le-Ping Sun; John B Malone; Thomas K Kristensen; N Robert Bergquist; Jürg Utzinger Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2008-02 Impact factor: 2.345
Authors: Walter Leal Filho; Abul Quasem Al-Amin; Gustavo J Nagy; Ulisses M Azeiteiro; Laura Wiesböck; Desalegn Y Ayal; Edward A Morgan; Paschal Mugabe; Marilyn Aparicio-Effen; Hubert Fudjumdjum; Charbel Jose Chiappetta Jabbour Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2018-02-13 Impact factor: 3.390