Climate change and Public Health in Uganda

Transcription

1 Climate change and Public Health in Uganda Didacus B. Namanya Geographer, MoH Uganda PRESENTATION TO GEOHEALTH CONFERENCE HELD AT SHERATON HOTEL 22 April 2014

2 Outline * Brief Geography of Uganda * Defining climate and climate change * Climate change and human health * The impacts of climate change * The situation in Uganda * Climate change adaptation * Existing opportunities * Conclusion * Way forward

3 Location of Uganda

4 Uganda: Geography * Area: 241,550 sq. km of which 199,807 sq. km is land and 41,743 sq. km is water and swamps * Terrain: Largely plateau with highlands and mountains in the east and west * Lowest point: Lake Albert in the west at 621m above sea level * Highest point: Margherita Peak on Mount Rwenzori at 5,110m above sea level * Capital City: Kampala

5 Uganda: Geography * Climate: Tropical/equatorial with much of the country experiencing 2 rainfall seasons March- May and September- December. Northern parts of the country experience less rainfall and have one rainy season in the year. * Temperatures: Mean annual temperatures vary between 16 C in the Southwest and close to 30 C in the Northeast * Rainfall: mm/year

6 Uganda Population Year Population (Millions)

7 Climate Weather What is happening in the atmosphere at any givee The description of temperature, air pressure, cloud cover, precipitation and other properties of the atmosphere at a given pointin time. Climate Average weather over longer time frames

8 Complexity of the Global Climate System 8 Source: IPCC 2007, p96. Further information: WMO Website Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Science

9 Defining Climate Change * Climate change is a statistically significant variation in either the mean state of the climate or in its variability, persisting for an extended period typically decades or longer. * Climate change is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods. UNFCC 1992

10 Climate Change and Global Warming Global Warming Refers to the overall warming of the planet, based on average temperature over the entire surface of the Earth Climate Change Refers to changes in climate characteristics, including temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind, and severe weather events over long term periods Further information: WMO Website 10 Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Science

11 Definitions of Related Concepts Vulnerability to Climate Change The degree to which a system is susceptible to, and unable to cope with, adverse effects of climate change, including climate variability and extremes. Vulnerability is a function of the character, magnitude, and rate of climate variation to which a system is exposed, its sensitivity, and its adaptive capacity. (IPCC 2007) Adaptive Capacity The whole of capabilities, resources and institutions of a country or region to implement effective adaptation measures. (IPCC 2007) Resilience The ability of a social or ecological system to absorb disturbances while retaining the same basic structure and ways of functioning, the capacity for self- organisation, and the capacity to adapt to stress and change. (IPCC 2007) Climate Risk The combination of the likelihood (probability of occurrence) and the consequences of an adverse event (e.g. tropical cyclone, drought, flood). (UNDP 2011) Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation 11

12 Causes of climate change * Industrialization * Transport * Energy generation * Agriculture * Deforestation * Natural causes e.g. volcanic activity

13 Overview of Greenhouse Gases Greenhouse Gas Global Warming Potential (GWP) (over 100 years) Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) 1 76% Methane (CH 4 ) 25 16% Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) 298 6% Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) ,800 < 2% Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) 7,390-12,200 < 2% Sulphur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) 22,800 < 2% Nitrogen trifluoride (NF 3 ) 17,200 < 2% % of Total Anthropogenic GHG Emissions (2010) Source: Reproduced from IPCC 2007 and UNEP Section 2: Anthropogenic Drivers of Climate Change

14 In Focus: The Carbon Cycle Source: UNEP 14 Section 2: Anthropogenic Drivers of Climate Change

15 Climate Change Science Allows Us to: q Understand how and why the climate is changing q Assess how humans are influencing the climate q Project how the climate may change in the future q Support policy/decision- making and changes in behaviors Source: National Science Foundation Photo Credit: Niwot Ridge lter site/john W. Marr 15 Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Science

16 Why is Climate Change Science Important? Sound weather data and forecasts important for: Short- term planning Emergency response Climate models help to forecast long term climate scenarios Important input for vulnerability assessments and adaptation planning Fosters climate resilient development and avoids mal- adaption 16 Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Science

17 The situation in Uganda * Climate models point to an increase in temperature in the range of 0.7ºc.7 and 1.5ºc by the 2020s. * The models predict a likely increase in variability of rainfall with most areas getting higher rainfall. * Climate change is expected to increase frequency and intensity of droughts, floods, glacial melting, landslides, and heat waves (NEMA, 2008)

18 Impacts * Impacts = f { hazard, exposure, vulnerability} * Vulnerability = the predisposition of a person or group of people to be adversely affected

19 Climate Change Has an Impact on: Ecosystems Human systems Biodiversity, carbon storage, habitats, Agriculture, fresh water, health, Urban systems Economic systems Social systems Transport, buildings, lifestyle, Energy, manufacturing, natural capital industries, Equity, migration, peace and conflict, 19 Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Science

20 Projected Impacts of Climate Change in Africa 20 Source: UNEP 2009, p32 Section 4: Projected Trends and Impacts of Climate Change

21 Direct Health Impacts Mediating Process Exposure to thermal extremes: Heat Waves Altered frequency and/or intensity of other extreme weather conditions (floods, storms etc) Health Outcome Altered rates of heat and cold related illnesses espec. Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases Deaths, injuries and psychological disorders, damage to public health infrastructure

22 Indirect impacts due to disturbance of ecological systems Mediating Process Effects on ranges and activity of vectors and infective parasite Health Outcome Change in geographic ranges and incidence of vector borne diseases e.g. a 1.2.o C increase in temperature has shifted potential malaria risk areas from the traditional tropical to temperate zones Altered local ecology of water borne and food borne infective agents Changed incidences of diarrhoeal and other infectious diseases Altered food (especially crop) productivity due to changes in climate, weather, and associated pests and diseases Regional malnutrition and hunger with consequent impairment of child growth and development especially in vulnerable communities

23 Indirect impacts due to disturbance of ecological systems Mediating Process Fresh water vulnerability and Sea level rise with population displacement and damage to infrastructure e.g. sanitation Health Outcome Injuries, increased risk of various infectious diseases (due to migration, overcrowding, contamination of drinking water), psychological disorders Levels and biological impacts of air pollution including pollens and spores Asthma and allergic disorders, other acute and chronic respiratory disorders and deaths Social, economic and demographic dislocations due to adverse climate change impacts on the economy, infrastructure and resource supply Wide range of public health consequences e.g. mental health, nutritional impairment, infectious diseases, civil strife

24 Uganda some health impacts : 1997/98 El * Cholera outbreak affected 39 districts * 41,857 people taken ill * 1,682 deaths reported Nino extreme weather * 11,000 people hospitalized and treated for cholera * 150,000 people displaced by floods and landslides * Apart from loss of life, the country used approximately USD 4,300,000 to control the epidemic.

25 Climate extremes: Heavy rains and Landslides * March 2010: Bududa district * Over 80 people killed by the landslides * 3 Villages submerged by the landslides * Significant numbers displaced * August 2011: Bulambuli district * Over 24 people killed by the landslides * One village buried by the landslides * Over 8000 people at risk of landslides in area * June 2012 Bududa district landslides, 18 people killed * 2 villages buried

26 Landslides in Eastern Uganda

27 Uganda: CC Impacts in pictures; Kabale and Kampala

28 Roads flooded in NE Uganda (New Vision September 2012)

29 What is Climate Change Adaptation? Adaptation to climate change refers to adjustments in human and natural systems in response to actual or expected climatic variation, with a view to moderating harm or exploiting beneficial opportunities. (Source: Based on IPCC 2001) Source: UNDP & UNEP- PEI Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation

30 Types of Adaptation Type Anticipatory adaptation Reactive adaptation Action Taking action in preparation of climate change Taking action when climate change effects are experienced Source: IPCC 30 Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation

31 Key Sectors Affected by Climate Change Water Disaster Risk Reduction Education Waste Energy Transport Fisheries Key Sectors Tourism Food And Agriculture Spatial Planning Forestry Nature & Ecosystem Conser- vation Infra- structure Health 31 Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation

32 Examples of How Temperature Rise Effects Different Sectors (II) Global mean temperature change relative to C Source: IPCC 2007 as used in UNDP 2009 p17 ** Based on average rate of sea level rise of 4.2mm/year from 2000 to 2008 Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation 32

33 Key Elements of an Adaptation Process Monitoring & evaluation of adaptation actions Observation Implementatio n of adaptation measures Assessment of climate impacts and vulnerability Select adaptation options Source: Based on UNFCCC 2011 Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation 33

34 Data Requirements for Effective Adaptation Climate Data National and local weather data Seasonal forecasts Future projections from climate models Other Environmental Data Forest cover Water resources Biodiversity Socio- Economic Data Population dynamics Urbanization trends Economic development forecasts Gender and age Planning Information National development plans Sub- national and municipal development plans 34 Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation

35 Range of Adaptation Options: From Vulnerability to Impact Focus Vulnerability Focus Impacts Focus Addressing the drivers of vulnerability Building response capacity Managing climate risks Confronting climate change Activities seek to reduce poverty and other non- climatic stressors that make people vulnerable Activities seek to build robust systems for problem- solving Activities seek to incorporate climate information into decision- making Activities seek to address impacts associated exclusively with climate change Traditional Development Funding Source: Reproduced from Mcgray et al 2007 New & Additional Adaptation Funding 35 Section 3: Identifying and Selecting Adaptation Options

36 Sector Focus Health: Examples of Possible Adaptation Measures q q q q Establishment of climate change and environment and health information systems Strengthening of disease and weather early warning Cost-effective technology for water treatment for hospitals Education and training of environment and health professionals Further info: WHO website 36 Section 3: Identifying and Selecting Adaptation Options

37 Meeting the Implementation Challenge q Budgeting and financing climate change adaptation measures q Ensuring overall coordination by a central body q Strengthening multi- sector coordination q Building capacities of institutions and individuals at the national, sector and sub- national level q Integrating adaptation in national monitoring system 37 Section 4: Linking Adaptation and Development Planning

38 What Is Planning for Climate Change? Planning: The process of setting goals, developing strategies, outlining the implementation arrangements and allocating resources to achieve those goals (UNDP) * Development of plans specifically for climate change adaptation and mitigation * Integration of climate change adaptation and mitigation in existing planning processes 38 Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Planning

39 Multiple Government Institutions Involved in Climate Change Planning National institutions Sectoral institutions Sub- national institutions (including rural, urban and provincial) 39 Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Planning

40 Multiple Stakeholders Communities and Citizens International Partners Trade Unions Media Stakeholder Network Civil Society Groups Government Administrators and Planners Academic Institutions Policy Makers Businesses 40 Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Planning

41 Existing opportunities Opportunities Mainstreaming * GoU support and good will * Climate change policy and coordination * Increased climate change awareness * Health policy and strategy recognize climate change * International initiatives UNFCCC, WHO, UNEP, EAC * Research and innovations DBNamanya presentation to MOH/WHO climate change & public health adaptation meeting, at Grand Imperial, Kampala, 27 February 2012

42 National Health Policy (NHPII) 2010 * The Health Sector in Uganda recognizes the impact of climate change on health outcomes as indicated below. In the National Health Policy 2010/ /20, it is stated that: * Uganda s NHPI guided the health sector between 1999 and 2009, and over this period, a number of changes have occurred for example the increase in the burden of disease due to HIV/AIDS and non- communicable diseases, the negative health consequences of changing climate, new and emerging diseases.. pg. 1

43 HSSIP 2010 * In the HSSIP 2010 under Section titled; Changing lifestyles and climate change; it is stated that: * *.. Uganda has also experienced the negative consequences of climate change on the health of Uganda for example floods in Eastern Uganda in 2007 resulted in a humanitarian crisis. Higher temperatures and rainfall associated with El Nino may increase the transmission of malaria leading to epidemics in highland areas of Uganda. Prolonged droughts may lead to food insecurity and malnutrition, further predisposing the populations to illnesses. Better systems for weather forecasting, disease surveillance and public health planning offer some protection for the affected populations. Given the current situation, there is need to emphasize mitigation of adverse effects of climate change.. * HSSIP = Health Sector Strategic and Investment Plan 2010/ /15

44 Adaptation/coping strategies to Climate change (Uganda NAPA 2007) * Intensification of fishing activities for communities near lakes * Food preservation e.g. sun drying, use of honey, salt, smoking * Treatment of common illnesses using medicinal herbs * Eating non- conventional wild foodstuffs * Water harvesting and storage * Self help initiatives * Traditional vector control methods e.g. cow dung burning * Hygiene and sanitation e.g. boiling water * Migrating to other areas which are safe using family networks * Change in eating habits e.g. one meal a day * Hunting wild birds and animals

45 National Strategies in Health Sector In Uganda * Epidemic and Disaster Preparedness and Response strategies like Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) * HSSIP under EHD plans to raise awareness on climate change in the health sector * Under Malaria control Programme increased IRS, ITNS, Home Management of Fevers, Intermittent Preventive Treatment, * Malaria epidemic preparedness and response * Emergency hygiene and sanitation guidelines have been developed and disseminated * Control of diarrheal diseases * Village Health Team strategy to engage communities

46 Conclusion * Uganda remains very sensitive and vulnerable to climate change. * The impacts to the health sector have been enormous in terms of cases, loss of lives, economic loss and destruction to infrastructure. * Since climate will continue to change in the foreseeable future the most reasonable option is to integrate climate change in the health policy and ensure that all programmes take into account climate change concerns in all their plans. (Namanya, 2009)

47 References * IPCC, 2012, Special report on managing extreme events and disasters to advance climate change adaptation (SREX) * MoH, 2010, National Health Policy, Government of Uganda, Kampala * MoH, 2010, Health sector strategic and investment plan, Government of Uganda, Kampala * UNFCC,1992, Convention on Climate Change, Climate Change Secretariat, Bonn * WHO, 2009, protecting health from climate change: Global research Priorities, WHO Press, Geneva Switzerland, * Namanya, B.,D., 2009, An Assessment of the Impact of climate change on the Health Sector in Uganda: A case of Malaria and Cholera epidemics and how to improve planning for effective preparedness and response, MoH/SIDA * NEMA (2008) State of the Environment report for Uganda, National Environment Management Authority, Publications. * Government of Uganda, 2007, National adaptation programs of action (NAPA) * UNCCLearn ILM, 2013