5th July 2024 (9 Topics)
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Tackling the Emerging Climate-Induced Health Crisis
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Context
Recent intense heatwaves in north India have highlighted the growing impact of climate change on public health. This situation calls for urgent action to address the emerging climate-induced health crisis through multi-stakeholder collaboration and technological innovation.
Climate Change and Health Impacts:
- Heat-Related Illnesses: Environmental epidemiologists have linked heat to heatstroke, kidney injury, malnutrition, and anaemia.
- Air Pollution Effects: Poor air quality is associated with lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and neonatal mortality.
- Extreme Weather Consequences: Over 80% of Indians are exposed to extreme weather events, with heavy rainfall linked to mosquito-borne and diarrhoeal illnesses.
Assessing Vulnerability and Needs:
- Real-Time Monitoring: Decision-makers need a real-time weather map for climate-related health vulnerability at a granular level.
- Comprehensive Index: A vulnerability index should consider exposure levels, population sensitivity, and adaptive capacity.
- Rural Focus: Particular attention is needed on data related to the health of India's rural residents.
Leveraging Technology for Health Surveillance:
- CHIP Platform: Rajasthan's Community Health Integrated Platform (CHIP) expanded from COVID-19 surveillance to tracking comprehensive primary care for 45 million people.
- CoWin Success: The central government's CoWin platform facilitated the world's largest vaccination drive, demonstrating India's capacity to manage complex health challenges through technology.
- Climate-related Health Vulnerability Index (CHVI): Rajasthan developed a CHVI incorporating multiple datasets, with ASHA workers acting as public health researchers using digital tools.
Building Resilient Healthcare Infrastructure:
- Upgrading Facilities: Invest in climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure to withstand climate shocks.
- Training Healthcare Workers: Equip healthcare professionals with skills to manage climate-related health issues.
- Ensuring Supplies: Maintain adequate supplies of essential medicines and equipment to respond to climate-induced health crises.
Public Awareness and Education:
- Empowering Individuals: Provide knowledge about climate-related health risks and preventive measures.
- Community-Driven Action: Support grassroots movements with resources and accurate information to drive behavioral changes.
- Reducing Vulnerability: Educate communities on adapting to and mitigating climate-related health risks.
UPSC Mains Questions:
Q. Examine the role of technology in managing climate-induced health crises. What are the challenges and opportunities in using technological solutions to enhance public health resilience in India?
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