For the Professional Health Care Worker
Course Title: Climate Change and Health: Impacts, Adaptation, and Resilience
Course Overview:
The course aims to equip health professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, mitigate, and adapt to the health impacts of climate change in the Caribbean region. Through interactive units and case studies, participants will gain insights into the interconnections between climate change and various health-related challenges, including vector-borne diseases, extreme weather events, and food and water security.
Unit 1: Introduction to Climate Change and Public Health
- Introduction to Climate Change: Understanding the science behind climate change, including greenhouse gas emissions, global warming, and climate variability.
- Public Health Impacts: Exploring the direct and indirect health impacts of climate change, including heat-related illnesses, infectious diseases, and mental health effects.
Unit 2: Climate Change and Vector-Borne Diseases
- Vector Ecology and Climate: Examining the influence of climate change on vector habitats, distribution, and vector-borne disease transmission.
- Case Studies: Analyzing real-world examples of vector-borne diseases affected by climate change, such as dengue fever, malaria, and Zika virus.
Unit 3: Extreme Weather Events and Health Risks
- Extreme Weather Patterns: Identifying the health risks associated with extreme weather events, including hurricanes, floods, and droughts.
- Emergency Response: Developing strategies for preparedness, response, and recovery in the face of climate-related disasters.
Unit 4: Food Security, Nutrition, and Climate Change
- Impact on Food Systems: Understanding the effects of climate change on agricultural productivity, food availability, and nutritional quality.
- Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies: Exploring sustainable agriculture practices, food security policies, and dietary interventions to address climate-related challenges.
Unit 5: Water Quality, Sanitation, and Health
- Waterborne Diseases: Assessing the impact of climate change on water quality, availability, and sanitation infrastructure.
- Health Promotion: Implementing measures to ensure access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices to prevent waterborne diseases.
Unit 6: Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience
- Community Health Resilience: Building adaptive capacity and resilience within healthcare systems and local communities to cope with climate-related health risks.
- Policy Advocacy: Advocating for policies and interventions that promote climate resilience, equity, and social justice in public health.
Unit 7: Case Studies and Best Practices
- Regional Case Studies: Examining successful interventions and best practices from the Caribbean region in addressing climate-related health challenges.
- Interactive Discussions: Engaging in group discussions and knowledge sharing to identify innovative solutions and lessons learned.
Final Assessment and Certification:
- Assessment: Completion of quizzes, assignments, and case studies to evaluate understanding and application of course concepts.
- Certification: Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion endorsed by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
Public Health – Climate Change and Health: Impacts, Adaptation, and Resilience
Course Description
This course provides an in-depth exploration of how climate change affects public health and examines strategies for adaptation and resilience. It aims to equip health professionals with the knowledge and tools to mitigate health risks associated with climate-related changes and disasters.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the distinction between climate variability and climate change.
- Recognize the physical and social drivers of climate change and their impacts on health.
- Assess the evidence supporting global climate change and its effects.
- Explore the health sector’s role in contributing to and mitigating climate change.
- Develop strategies for enhancing public health resilience and adaptive capacity in the face of climate change.
Course Modules
- Introduction to Climate Change and Health
- Definitions: Weather vs. Climate, Climate Change vs. Variability
- Mechanisms of the greenhouse effect
- Overview of global and regional impacts of climate change
- Climate Drivers and Evidence
- Natural and anthropogenic drivers of climate change
- Evidence of climate change from scientific observations and models
- Scientific consensus on climate change
- Health Impacts of Climate Change
- Direct and indirect health impacts (e.g., heatwaves, vector-borne diseases, respiratory illnesses)
- Case studies from different regions, focusing on small island states
- Vulnerable populations and health inequities
- Health Sector Contributions to Climate Change
- Carbon footprint of health care facilities
- Strategies for “greening” health care: sustainable practices in medical facilities
- Adaptation and Resilience in Public Health
- Building resilient health infrastructures
- Emergency preparedness and response to climate-related health crises
- Policy frameworks for health adaptation to climate change
- Role of Health Professionals
- Education and communication strategies for health professionals
- Advocacy for climate-smart health policies
- Research and data collection on climate health impacts
- Case Studies and Practical Applications
- Analyzing responses to past climate-related health issues
- Simulation exercises: responding to hypothetical climate scenarios
- Developing a climate resilience action plan for health systems
Evaluation Methods
- Quizzes and exams to assess understanding of course material
- Group projects on designing public health responses to climate scenarios
- Participation in discussions on adaptation strategies and resilience building
Resources
- IPCC reports, PAHO guidelines, and other key documents on climate change and health
- Access to climate and health data repositories for analysis exercises
- Guest lectures by experts in climate science, public health, and policy
