Building Resilient Health Policies: Incorporating Climate Change Impacts for Sustainable Adaptation

Climate change poses a significant threat to humanity, affecting ecosystems, natural resources, coastlines, food and water supplies, and human health. The impacts of climate change are already evident in the form of extreme droughts, rising temperatures, and increased humidity, leading to changes in local ecosystems and the spread of disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks. The distribution of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) is shifting as a result of changing climate patterns, presenting challenges to global health. This chapter focuses on the inclusion of climate change impacts in health policy development to enhance the resilience of the health sector. By integrating climate change considerations into health policies, governments and healthcare systems can better prepare for and respond to the health risks associated with climate change. The chapter explores strategies for incorporating climate change into health policy, including surveillance and monitoring systems, risk assessment and management, adaptation measures, and public health interventions. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and community engagement in addressing climate change impacts on human health. The chapter concludes with recommendations for policymakers and practitioners to integrate climate change considerations into health policy development and foster a more resilient and adaptive healthcare system.