Seed Global Health and The Rockefeller Foundation have joined forces to develop a Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment toolkit in Malawi, aimed at strengthening health systems against climate change impacts. The project is responsive to urgent challenges exacerbated by climate events like Cyclone Freddy and emphasizes the vital connection between environmental changes and public health. Key stakeholders are committed to building resilient health infrastructures to protect vulnerable populations.
Seed Global Health has announced its partnership with The Rockefeller Foundation to tackle the health impacts of climate change in Malawi. This project aims to create an efficient and accessible Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment (VAA) process, offering a toolkit for low-resource countries to enhance the resilience of their health systems against climate impacts.
The initiative will involve designing and piloting the VAA in collaboration with Malawi’s Ministry of Health. This pilot will suggest adaptation strategies for Malawi’s National Health Adaptation Plan while also providing insights applicable to other nations facing similar climate challenges.
Malawi’s Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, emphasized the urgency of addressing the climate crisis, stating, “The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue; it’s a full-blown health crisis… Addressing climate change is not just about saving ecosystems; it’s about protecting the health and well-being of current and future generations.”
The 2023 Cyclone Freddy disaster exacerbated health outcomes in Malawi, leading to a cholera outbreak that affected over 2.2 million individuals and severely impacted healthcare resources. This situation highlighted the deficiencies of the healthcare system unable to cope with increased demands amidst disruptions to infrastructure and services.
Gerishom Gimaiyo, Director of Health at The Rockefeller Foundation, noted the significance of climate change and its broad effects on health systems, asserting, “Evidence-based planning is essential to ensure health systems are equipped to respond effectively to these impacts.” The VAA approach aims to furnish countries with actionable data for timely decision-making to bolster health resilience.
The VAA toolkit is expected to enhance Malawi’s crisis management capabilities while fostering resilience. Anda Nyondo, Seed Global Health’s country director in Malawi, remarked, “The VAA toolkit… will equip Malawi to address more dynamic and integrated challenges… We are proud to receive support from The Rockefeller Foundation.”
Seed Global Health is dedicated to sustainable investments in health systems and workforce, aiming to close health equity gaps, mitigate climate change effects, and protect against future pandemics.
The partnership between Seed Global Health and The Rockefeller Foundation represents a significant commitment to improve health systems in Malawi by creating a Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment toolkit. This initiative addresses critical health challenges exacerbated by climate change while emphasizing the importance of evidence-based planning. Through collaborative efforts, both organizations endeavor to enhance resilience and ensure the well-being of populations facing climate-related health risks.
Original Source: www.rockefellerfoundation.org
