The WHO outpost in Jamnagar is poised to take the lead in addressing global health concerns related to traditional medicine. It will focus on ensuring the quality, safety, efficacy, accessibility, and rational usage of traditional medicine. The outpost will also work on creating standards, guidelines, and norms for relevant technical domains, along with developing tools and methodologies for data collection and analysis.
Simultaneously, the newly established climate change and health hub will serve as a hub for sharing knowledge, fostering partnerships, and driving innovations. This hub will extend its support beyond the G-20 countries, particularly focusing on assisting developing nations.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, a senior official from the Health Ministry emphasized the need for collaboration. They mentioned, “Climate change impacts us all, and this center will offer a platform for diverse partners to engage in crucial discussions and mutual learning. As our world confronts unprecedented challenges, it’s imperative that we pool our resources, knowledge, and innovative solutions to effectively address the repercussions of these changes in a timely manner.”
In its recently issued G-20 outcome document, India underscored that climate change will continue to be a catalyst for health emergencies, triggering the emergence and resurgence of infectious diseases. The heightened severity and frequency of natural disasters due to climate change will further strain health systems, posing a risk to their ability to provide essential services.
“In light of this, we acknowledge the imperative to strengthen the capacity of health systems to withstand the influence of climate change. Our pledge entails giving precedence to the advancement of climate-resilient health systems. This involves constructing healthcare systems and supply chains that are both sustainable and emit minimal carbon/greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These systems are designed to furnish top-notch healthcare, allocate resources to fortify resilient and environmentally conscious health systems, and promote cooperation. Notable initiatives in this direction encompass the WHO-led Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH), as highlighted in the document.”
During the recently concluded G-20 Health Ministers’ meeting, high-ranking officials also voiced their concerns regarding the increasing occurrences of zoonotic spill-overs, consequently leading to the emergence and resurgence of diseases.
India and other nations have acknowledged the necessity of identifying new contributing factors and addressing existing ones through a scientifically grounded and risk-based approach. Strengthening current infectious disease surveillance systems is also a key focus.
The G-20 countries have warmly embraced the efforts of the International Pathogen Surveillance Network, along with the opportunity to collaborate closely with the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence. This collaboration aims to expand global communities of practice and establish programs for exchanging knowledge that disseminates and shares best practices.