In this story:
- Call for integration of climate action & health strategies
- Collaboration, strong partnerships with international organizations, donor agencies, the panacea
By Maricho Reporter
THE El Nino-induced drought, which Zimbabwe is currently grappling with, highlights the interconnectedness of environmental and health issues and calls for a comprehensive response, integrating climate action with health strategies to mitigate these impacts, Edward Kallon, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator has said.
Kallon made the remarks at the Health Development Partners Coordinating Forum held in Harare Friday.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the El Niño-induced drought a national disaster and said the country needs $2bn in aid to ensure that no Zimbabwean must succumb or die from hunger.
“To that end, I do hereby declare a nationwide state of disaster, due to the El Niño-induced drought,” President Mnangagwa said.
The climate-induced severe dry spell is wreaking havoc across the Southern African region.
“Droughts lead to food and water scarcity, exacerbating malnutrition and susceptibility to disease. Our response must be comprehensive, integrating climate action with health strategies to mitigate these impacts,” according to Kallon.
He said the healthcare landscape in Zimbabwe is marked by a complex web of challenges and opportunities.
From the rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to the persistent epidemic levels of HIV despite substantial progress, to recurrent outbreaks of infectious diseases like measles and cholera, and the far-reaching impacts of El Nino-induced droughts and global pandemics such as COVID-19 and future pandemics lurking in the horizon, the health system is continually tested.
“Ensuring that every Zimbabwean has access to necessary healthcare without financial hardship must be the foremost priority. UHC is not merely a health issue; it is intrinsically linked to the nation’s development, social equity, and economic growth. A healthy population forms the cornerstone of a productive and prosperous society,” said Kallon.
Zimbabwe is no stranger to health emergencies, with recurrent outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and measles. Also, NCDs such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are rising sharply, placing additional pressure on the health system and infrastructure.
Simultaneously, the country continues its battle against HIV/AIDS, which remains a significant public health challenge despite considerable progress (UNAIDS, 2024).
“Our approach must be multi-faceted: preventative measures, early detection, effective treatment, and continuous care are crucial. This requires robust healthcare financing, innovative healthcare delivery models, and strengthened health systems.
“The complexity of the challenges we face necessitates collaboration across sectors and borders. Strong partnerships with international organizations, donor agencies, the private sector, civil society, and local communities are vital. By working together, we can pool resources, share expertise, and implement best practices to strengthen our health system,” added Kallon.
