Description
Introduction
Climate change is increasing disease burden and changing its transmission pattern globally, especially in Low-and-Middle Income Countries. It has tremendous effect on human lives especially the disadvantaged and vulnerable population are suffering the most. Though more research is required to establish the climate and health impacts, this study reviews the available evidence with an objective to understand how climate or environment fits into the social determinants of health and equity.
Methodology
An extensive review of existing research evidence, IPCC climate reports, WHO Social Determinants of Health framework, and related environmental health frameworks were conducted.
Results and Discussion
According to Pan American Health Organization[NB1] ,climate action is one of the six key Sustainable Development Goals addresses the environmental determinants of health and contribute to SDG-3 focused on health& wellbeing. But climate change is not only affecting the environment, it is also impacting human health through climatic hazards and shocks, by increasing disease burden, and strengthening the social level determinants of health and equity.
Climate actions of many countries especially developing countries (or considering the South Asian countries)reveal climate policies did not integrated health into its actions. This may be due to the nexus between the social and environmental determinants of health is not yet clearly established. Further, there is more focus on preparedness of climate resilient health system rather than climate adaptation and mitigation. Therefore, an integrated framework that integrates social and environmental determinants of health and equity, may enhance the knowledge application by the policy makers and policy planning.
Given the impact of climate change is long-term, the damage to the societal infrastructures and material circumstances are invisible or silent. It is utmost important to address promoting or improving the social determinants to improve and support the adaptation capacity of the vulnerable communities.
Conclusion
Climate change is a public health emergency as declared by the World Health Organization. The determinants of health that are affecting disadvantaged and underprivileged must be addressed. To promote climate for health actions, there is need for an integrated framework, that integrates social and environmental determinants of health and equity.
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