Capacity Development of Countries in the South-East Asia Region (SEAR) to Develop Climate Change and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessments and Health National Adaptation Plans (HNAPs)
Project Profile

Capacity Development of Countries in the South-East Asia Region (SEAR) to Develop Climate Change and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessments and Health National Adaptation Plans (HNAPs)

Background
Location(s)
Southeast Asia
Indication(s)
Climate and health
Situation overview
Among World Health Organization (WHO) regions, SE Asia has the highest number of estimated deaths due to climate change. Contributors include:
  • Pre-existing high burdens of climate-sensitive diseases, particularly malnutrition, vector-borne diseases, and diarrheal diseases
  • Weak public health systems, exacerbated by extreme weather events
  • Limited access to primary health care
The most vulnerable SE Asian populations are small-scale and marginal farmers dependent on rain-fed agriculture, the rural poor, residents of urban slums, mountain-dwelling people, and residents of small islands and sea coasts.

Challenge

Assessing the level of vulnerability of health and health systems to climate change in order to design and implement appropriate strategies

How we helped

We collaborated with WHO-SEARO and Member States and provided technical support in co-developing and designing tools and implementing activities to build the capacity of Member States to:
  • Carry out climate change and health vulnerability and
    adaptation assessments
  • Develop health national adaptation plans