Seed Global Health, with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, is launching a project in Malawi to develop a vulnerability and adaptation assessment (VAA) process to enhance health systems amidst climate challenges. This initiative seeks to create a toolkit that will inform strategies for the National Health Adaptation Plan while learning applicable lessons for other nations. The effort emerges in response to increased health crises linked to climate change, particularly after Cyclone Freddy’s impact in 2023.
Seed Global Health, in collaboration with The Rockefeller Foundation, has announced a new initiative to tackle the health challenges posed by climate change in Malawi. This project aims to create a streamlined and affordable vulnerability and adaptation assessment (VAA) process, designed to assist less-resourced nations in fortifying their health systems against climate-related impacts.
The primary objective of this initiative is to design and pilot a VAA in partnership with the Malawi Ministry of Health. This tool will recommend adaptation strategies for the National Health Adaptation Plan and will offer valuable insights for other nations confronting similar climate challenges.
Malawi’s Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, stated, “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.” She emphasized the importance of investing in climate-resilient health systems as a moral and economic necessity.
The urgency of this project has been underscored by the impact of Cyclone Freddy in 2023, which led to a cholera outbreak affecting over 2.2 million people. This situation strained Malawi’s healthcare resources, revealing significant vulnerabilities, including a shortage of skilled healthcare workers.
Gerishom Gimaiyo, Director of Health at The Rockefeller Foundation, remarked, “Climate change is disrupting every facet of human life…Evidence-based planning is essential to ensure health systems are equipped to respond effectively.” He highlighted the rapid VAA approach in Malawi as a model for generating actionable data for guiding healthcare decisions.
The VAA toolkit aims to enhance Malawi’s crisis response capabilities and ensure the health and well-being of its citizens are safeguarded. Anda Nyondo, Seed Global Health’s country director in Malawi, noted, “The VAA toolkit will equip Malawi to address more dynamic and integrated challenges… We are proud to support Malawi’s Ministry of Health in their climate and health response and resilience efforts.”
Seed Global Health is committed to long-term investments designed to address health equity gaps, combat climate change effects, and prepare against future pandemics. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to strengthening health systems where it operates.
The Rockefeller Foundation is recognized for its collaborative approach towards enhancing human well-being, with an emphasis on essential systems in health, food, energy, and finance, particularly in response to climate change. Seed Global Health operates with the principle that enhancing healthcare knowledge is essential for sustainable development, ensuring a stronger health workforce worldwide.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Seed Global Health and The Rockefeller Foundation represents a significant step towards addressing the health impacts of climate change in Malawi. Through the implementation of a vulnerability and adaptation assessment process, this initiative aims to enhance the resilience of health systems, ultimately protecting the health of vulnerable populations. By prioritizing investments in climate-resilient health infrastructure and workforce development, both organizations are committed to advancing public health in the face of climate-related challenges.
Original Source: www.rockefellerfoundation.org
