Dr. Harsh Vardhan addresses ‘WHO High-Level Coalition on Health and Energy Platform of Action’
The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, addressed the first meeting of the High Level Alliance on Health and Energy Action Forum of the World Health Organisation, here last night via video conference. The meeting was attended by several dignitaries, heads of state and representatives of various stakeholders like World Bank, UNDP, UNHRC, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) etc.
His address is given below,
The world still grapples with an unprecedented threat of COVID-19 that has prompted governments and citizens to take extraordinary steps to protect human lives and reduce morbidity around the world. The pandemic as well as the enormous efforts taken to manage it, has reiterated the massive interdependence between different sectors. It has also underscored the need to ensure that our policies need to reflect interconnectedness across sectors to ensure an effective and sustainable service delivery.
An expert body called the National Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health was constituted by our government with the objectives of creating awareness among the general public, health care providers and policy makers about the impact of climate change on human health. This national expert group recently presented its report on identified climate sensitive diseases and one health, covering topic specific health action plans, in April 2021.
In terms of green and climate resilient health care facilities, India signed the Male Declaration in 2017 and agreed to promote climate-resilient health facilities to be able to withstand any climate event. India today is in a unique position to lead a new model of economic growth of low carbon emissions and inclusive growth, a model in which achieving universal health coverage is also a key determinant.
We believe that the need of the hour is to demonstrate a firm political and financial commitment to mobilize resources to strengthen the capacity of the health and energy sectors. As countries around the world prepare for the aftermath of COVID-19, this is a great opportunity for a global rearrangement. Ambitious green stimulus plans will help countries restore their economies while deepening their energy transition. I am confident that the cooperation and collective action of this coalition group will help in achieving a greener and healthier planet.
