Rwanda publishes first health and climate report
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on AGP Gabon
Illustrative image · Safari Consoler · Pexels · Licence PexelsRwanda’s Health Ministry has published its first report on the health system’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change. The document identifies an expected rise in heat- and rainfall-related diseases, as well as risks of landslides, floods and drought, according to AGP Gabon.
Rwanda’s Health Ministry published its first report on Tuesday on the vulnerability and adaptation of the health sector to climate change, according to Radio France internationale. The document identifies in particular an expected increase in risks linked to extreme heat and rainfall, including cardiovascular diseases, malaria, cholera and diarrhoeal diseases.
Christa Ishimwe, an adviser on climate and health at Rwanda’s Health Ministry, said the west and south of Rwanda, particularly the steep districts around Lake Kivu, are exposed to landslides and floods, while the east of the country faces greater health risks linked to drought. She also cited diseases associated with air pollution among the risks likely to increase with heat.
The report sets three priorities: installing early warning systems, strengthening health infrastructure to make it more resilient to climate shocks, and training health workers on the links between climate and health, according to Christa Ishimwe. Rwanda must then prepare a five-year national adaptation plan for the health sector.
