The £3 million RESHAPE project investigates the impact of climate change on healthcare system resilience, focusing on regions like Malawi, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Uganda, which are increasingly threatened by extreme weather events. Led by Dr. Brahim Herbane of De Montfort University, the study aims to identify effective responses and strategies for mitigating the disproportionate impacts on healthcare systems, with funding from the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research.
Researchers have initiated a groundbreaking study aimed at examining the impact of climate change on the resilience of healthcare systems globally. The £3 million project, titled RESHAPE (RESilience in HeAlth Post-Extreme weather events), seeks to engage academics and local communities across the world in understanding the various responses to environmental challenges that pose threats to hospitals and healthcare providers. Fieldwork will be conducted in Malawi, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Uganda—regions currently experiencing a surge in extreme weather events due to climate change, thereby jeopardizing the essential healthcare services for millions. Notably, heavy flooding in Vietnam has severely affected homes and healthcare facilities alike. Dr. Brahim Herbane from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) serves as the business continuity lead for this project. He is particularly focused on meeting with local partners and stakeholders in each site as the research unfolds. According to Dr. Herbane, “The premise is that the effects of climate change are increasing, and we are seeing more extreme weather events which will then impact on healthcare. The research looks at how healthcare systems currently mitigate those impacts and how we can co-create more resilient systems.” This innovative study not only seeks to enhance healthcare systems in low- and middle-income nations but also aims to learn from the resilience strategies typically utilized in the Global South to better inform resilience policies universally. Dr. Herbane recounted a field observation during an initial trip to Malawi that highlighted the pressing challenges: “We went to a village for a community engagement and involvement meeting and it was raining intensely… the hospital staff were stoical about the disruption they faced because it is a common occurrence for them.” Unfortunately, on that occasion, an obstructive flood rendered an operating theater in the neighboring hospital unserviceable, emphasizing the urgent need for this research. This comprehensive study, spearheaded by the University of East Anglia (UEA), aims to clarify the systemic challenges posed by climate change and offer practical strategies to mitigate the adverse effects, ultimately delivering a framework for safeguarding healthcare systems amid escalating climate pressures. Dr. Herbane elaborated, “We are looking at what is in place on the ground to respond to and recover from extreme weather events. Ultimately, we want to develop a new international standard for healthcare system resilience and to reshape healthcare resilience policy. For me personally, the chance to apply our multidisciplinary expertise on the ground is something I am looking forward to.” Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) through UK international development funding, this project brings together several esteemed institutions, including Kamuza University of Health Sciences, Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Hanoi University of Public Health, University of Leeds, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and DMU.
The RESHAPE project aims to explore how climate change alters the resilience of healthcare systems worldwide. As extreme weather events become increasingly frequent due to climate change, healthcare systems, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries, face significant challenges in maintaining patient care. This research is crucial for identifying effective coping strategies and enhancing resilience policies in vulnerable regions affected by climate change, which directly threatens healthcare delivery.
In summary, the RESHAPE project is a crucial endeavor addressing the intersection of climate change and healthcare system resilience. It highlights the pressing need to develop robust strategies to protect healthcare services in regions prone to extreme weather events. The collaborative efforts of various global institutions underscore the importance of cross-border initiatives in enhancing institutional knowledge and adaptive capacity in the face of a growing climate crisis.
Original Source: www.dmu.ac.uk
