Urgent action is needed to integrate climate considerations into Ghana’s health policies and programmes to strengthen the resilience of the country’s health system against the adverse effects of climate change, according to a new World Bank report.

The Climate and Health Vulnerability Assessment (CHVA) for Ghana identifies gaps and risks to the health sector while recommending policy actions and providing insights into the capacity to adapt to climate-related shocks.

The report notes that climate change in Ghana is causing extreme weather events like floods and droughts, leading to food insecurity, injuries and risk of death for 2 million people.

“One of the key highlights is the stark vulnerability of certain sub-populations, including the elderly, women, children and those living in rural areas,” said Naila Ahmed, Sustainable Development Programme Leader at the World Bank.

“These individuals are disproportionately affected by adverse health outcomes exacerbated by climate change, further deepening existing socio-economic disparities. Moreover, the assessment underscores the critical importance of strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure, enhancing workforce capacity, and integrating climate considerations into health policies and programmes.”

Ghana’s high vulnerability, especially to illnesses like malaria and diarrhoeal diseases, is highlighted in the report, with health issues related to heat, air pollution and infectious diseases on the rise.

“As we navigate the climate change challenges, we must understand the public health implications and take proactive measures to protect our communities.

“The findings serve as a call for collective efforts to forge targeted and innovative solutions and mitigate the adverse health effects in Ghana,” Ahmed urged.

The CHVA underscores that Ghana’s climate varies in temperature and rainfall, with projections showing decreased rainfall and higher temperatures. Over the past 50 years, the country has experienced 22 major climate events, affecting millions with droughts, floods, wildfires and storms. The assessment examines the potential health impact of increased heat and expanded infectious diseases.

Robert Taliercio, World Bank Country Director for Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, emphasised the importance of a healthy population for shared prosperity. “The World Bank has changed its mission to end extreme poverty, boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. A healthy population is the cornerstone of prosperity. Therefore, implementing adaptation and mitigation measures is crucial to address current challenges and prevent further adversities.”

Professor Mawuli Dzodzomenyo, lead author and Head of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health at the University of Ghana School of Public Health, noted the report’s contribution to developing climate-resilient health systems.

“The CHVA research contributes to developing climate-resilient health systems. By analysing vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities, decision-makers can identify areas for improvement and allocate resources effectively,” Prof. Dzodzomenyo.

Key recommendations include implementing a 10-year plan to make Ghana’s health sector resilient to climate change, integrating objectives into other sectors, planning the health workforce, enhancing climate-sensitive condition coverage in health information systems, upgrading facilities with climate-smart codes, undertaking multi-sectoral actions on health determinants, providing sustained financing and monitoring climate-related health expenditures.

In his speech, the Chief Director at the Health Ministry, Alhaji Hafiz Adams, acknowledged the importance of addressing climate change’s health impacts.

“Health has been identified as a main pillar in global climate change discussions… To achieve our commitment, Ghana requires between US$9.3 and US$15million, underlining the huge importance of climate financing in building climate-resilient systems,” he said.

Mr. Adams outlined Ghana’s commitments made at COP26, including conducting vulnerability and adaptation assessments, developing a Health National Adaptation Plan, accessing climate change funding, and assessing greenhouse gas emissions from the health system.

He added: “The ministry has commenced validating and harmonising climate and health vulnerability assessments to generate evidence for developing the Health and Climate Change Policy and Health National Adaptation Plan, which will highlight the health sector’s action plan for climate change adaptation”.

Mr. Adams emphasised the collaborative effort needed, stating: “I urge all our development partners to actively engage in this process and recognise the shared responsibility we all play in safeguarding public health against climate-induced threats”.