In 1992, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the report of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) titled “Our Planet, Our Health.” The information was an urgent call for action to address poverty, food and agriculture, water, energy, urbanization, basic services, and transboundary and international issues if the world’s population were to be healthier.
Fast forward to 2022, the WHO has reused the theme for World Health Day on April 7 to remind everyone about the persisting negative effects of climate change on human health and survival, citing the 13 million deaths a year due to avoidable environmental causes. The WHO has described climate change as “the single biggest health threat facing humanity—and health professionals worldwide are already responding to the health harms caused by this unfolding crisis.”
Why should the health sector care about climate change? Which population groups are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change? How exactly do the effects of climate change impact human health? How should we start preparing for the worsening climate scenario?
This Friday, August 19, from 12nn to 2 pm, the University of the Philippines (UP), in partnership with UP Manila National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Telehealth Center (NTC), and cooperation with UP Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), would like to invite you to join the fight against C.O.V.I.D—current COVID-19 problems, other outbreaks, viruses, infections, and disasters.
In this episode, titled “CLIMATE CHANGE AND HEALTH: Bakit Natin Kailangan Alamin?” experts will discuss different angles and perspectives on the topic, including practical tips on the role of health care frontliners. Dr. Charles Primero D. Gundran, Chair of the Disaster Risk Management Subcommittee and Chair of the Department of Health Policy and Administration at the College of Public Health in UP Manila, will set the tone with a big-picture introduction.
Dr. Erlidia F. Llamas-Clark, Chair of the Subcommittee on Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness, Environment, and Women’s Health Committee of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS), will delve into the effects of climate change on pregnancy and fertility.
Dr. Ricardo Jose Quintos II, former Section Chief of Vascular Surgery at the National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI) and past President of the Philippine Society for Vascular and Endovascular Surgeons, will also share his insights.
UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla will deliver the closing remarks.
Register here and catch our weekly live tweets and streams via the UP System Twitter Account, TVUP’s YouTube channel, and Facebook page.
The award-winning UP “Stop COVID Deaths” Webinar Series is the Philippines’ first and only frontline-focused medical webinar series. It pioneered the discussion, dissemination, and adoption of knowledge on COVID-19 treatment and management. Follow our accounts to stay connected with your credible online community.