It is estimated that 1.8 million people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa run the risk of health problems induced by climate change in the coming years, according to an adaptation plan based on research issued by the provincial health department.
The plan projected that people in the province can face potentially mortal challenges, including diseases, injuries and deaths caused by natural disasters such as floods and landslides.
The KP Department of Health, with the support of the Program of Evidence for Health and Financing of the Foreign Development Office, of the Commonwealth, has officially launched the “Climate and Health and Health Adaptation Plan” in the province this month.
According to the report, climate change and environmental degradation are expected to unleash severe health crises in the province, including the reduction of health productivity, premature mortality and an increase in seasonal diseases.
“It is expected that vector diseases such as malaria and dengue will increase by 30-40 percent in KP, while water transmitted diseases such as diarrhea could see a 20 percent increase due to frequent flood And decreased water quality, “the plan said.
In addition, diseases such as cholera and viral hepatitis will further tension the health system.
Respiratory diseases are also expected, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), increase in 20 % due to the worsening of air pollution caused by climate change.
Together, it is anticipated that hospitals in KP will face a 20 percent increase in the influx of patients, exerting additional pressure on medical care services.
In addition to physical diseases, climate change has also contributed significantly to the increase in mental health challenges in KP. The data compiled after the devastating floods of 2022 revealed a 38 percent increase in depression, an anxiety increase of 20 percent and a 43 percent increase in stress among vulnerable groups.
It also showed an increase in repeated climatic shocks, which include displacement, loss of assets and interruptions to living, all of which contribute to greater stress, anxiety and depression.
The adaptation plan of the Provincial Health Department for the Health Sector has been classified as “extremely vulnerable” to the impact of climatic changes.
These include the provincial capital, Peshawar, followed by Charsadda, Mardan, Mansehra, Dera Ismail Khan, Dir and Swat. In addition, six other districts: Swabi, Khyber, Abbottabad, Bajaur, Bannu and Nowshera, are considered “high risk.”
Dr. Asif Izhar, a medical specialist at the Police and Services Hospital in Peshawar, has been closely monitoring changes in seasonal disease patterns. Talking with Dawn.comHe pointed out that the duration of seasonal diseases has been extended compared to previous years.
For example, last year, the dengue outbreak lasted three months, while previously persisted only for a month. In addition, he emphasized that seasonal diseases had become more serious, and bacteria develop more and more antibiotic resistance.
“The irrational use of antibiotics has made them less effective,” he said. “While dry conditions facilitate the spread of seasonal diseases, heat and humidity accelerate bacterial growth.”
Dr. Mahwish Naeem, technical advisor to the health evidence program, which aims to strengthen Pakistan’s health system, said Dawn.com That climate change is creating new challenges for medical care in KP.
“We need to focus on prevention,” he emphasized. “We should not wait for flooding and hitting us, we should not be reagents.”
Dr. Mahwish further emphasized the importance of data systems and digitalization to monitor climate change. He stressed that predictive modeling should be adopted to track and prepare for diseases that are expected to get worse in the future.
Dr. Hameed Jamali, a climate expert who works in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Climate and Health Adaptation Plan Dawn.com That the increase in temperatures in the province has led to the appearance of viral diseases in the areas of the north that were previously unknown.
“For example, dengue is now emerging in the northern regions,” he explained, attributing this to the increasingly favorable temperatures for the survival of mosquitoes.
In response to the growing challenges raised by climate change to the health sector, the Government has launched the climate change plan and health adaptation.
CM AIDE ON HEALTH IHTESHAM ALI shared that this plan serves as a policy framework to help the health system to address the health -related health challenges.
“Previously, hospitals followed a generalized policy for medical facilities, medications and health services,” he said.
“Now, the Provincial Health Department is adopting a different approach. We will provide medications based on the specific health challenges facing each area, particularly in relation to seasonal diseases. “
The advisor also announced the establishment of a climate change cell for the first time in KP, and added that the unit will record data and monitor climate -related changes, allowing the health system to implement policies based on ideas in real -time ideas .
