Advisor on Health KP, Ihtisham Ali Thursday launched Pakistan’s first-ever Climate and Health Adaptation Plan under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Health Department.
Speaking at the launch ceremony as the chief guest, Advisor Ihtisham Ali emphasized that climate change has led to the spread of diseases like dengue and malaria to regions previously unaffected.
The newly introduced plan aims to mitigate climate-related health challenges by ensuring policy implementation, including the establishment of a Climate Change Cell within the Health Department.
The launch event was attended by key figures, including Additional DG Health Dr. Shahid Younus, Chief HSRU Dr. Khalil Iftikhar, and Head of the Health and Education Group at the British High Commission, Ms. Maria Wyard.
Advisor Ihtisham Ali stated, “Prior to this launch, we conducted research on the health impacts of climate change in KP.
Based on these findings, we have developed this plan, which serves as a roadmap for combating the health effects of climate change. This budget will enable us to address climate-induced diseases effectively.
The Climate and Health Adaptation Plan estimates that without action, the economic burden of health challenges due to climate change in KP could exceed PKR 5,541 billion by 2030.
In contrast, implementing the proposed roadmap will require only PKR. 315 billion, a significantly lower cost to protect public health, Advisor health quoted the launched report.
Ihtisham Ali further emphasized, “This plan demonstrates KP government’s commitment to addressing the rising health impacts of climate change, including heat stress, waterborne diseases, and vector-borne illnesses.
Our priority is to protect vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly, he continued.
Dr. Shahid Younus, Additional DG Health Services, noted that the frequency and severity of climate shocks are expected to increase in the coming decades, resulting in heightened health risks.
He stressed the importance of financial investments to strengthen resilience and ensure sustainable integration of climate and health into KP’s planning and budgeting.
Ms. Maria Wyard, Head of Health and Education at the British High Commission, praised the initiative, saying, “The Climate and Health Adaptation Plan presented by the KP government offers evidence-based, cost-effective solutions to reduce climate-related health risks.
The UK is proud to support KP through meaningful technical assistance to build a better healthcare system.
The plan outlines short-, medium-, and long-term measures including establishing a Climate Health Unit and forming an inter-sectoral technical working group, strengthening health information systems, including monitoring weather-related health impacts via District Health Information System-2 (DHIS-2) and early warning systems” she added.
While pointing out the long-term measures, Maria Wyerd emphasized that sustainable financing for climate-resilient health systems, along with contributions to the Pakistan National Health Adaptation Plan and the country’s international climate commitments, will ensure the effectiveness of this plan.