Tackling the Emerging Climate-Induced Health Crisis

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?