UN agencies launch joint programme to support Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon in climate change response

Amman: The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) on Thursday launched a joint programme to support the health system responses of the governments of Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon to climate change adaptation and risk reduction over the coming two years. In a joint statement, the programme, operating under the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund, aims to strengthen the resilience of health systems and migrant populations to climate change and disaster risks by incorporating an inclusive human mobility lens into national public health adaptation and risk reduction strategies of the target countries. "Natural hazards that displace people, claim lives, damage property and impact health are strongly linked to climate change," said Mr Othman Belbeisi, IOM Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. "Thus, there is a strong need for a comprehensive approach that recognizes the linkages between cli mate change adaptation and risk reduction efforts in a manner that is inclusive of all impacted communities including migrants," he said. "The escalating impacts of climate change globally and particularly in our region are leading to drastic health risks, especially among migrants who face difficulties in accessing adequate health services, " he pointed out. This programme aims to create a coherent, multistakeholder approach to enhance resilience and preparedness within health systems, with a focus on the needs of migrants, who are often affected by climate change and its related risks," said Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. "The UNDRR Regional Office for Arab States is committed to supporting local authorities in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon in disaster risk management and resilience-building efforts by developing local resilience action plans, which ensure that local authorities and communities are better equipped to handle disasters and emergencies and can respond effec tively and efficiently," said Mr Fadi Jannan, Deputy Chief of UNDRR Regional Office for Arab States. The Middle East and North Africa region is among the world's most vulnerable regions to climate change due to its mostly arid climate, coupled with serious water scarcity, continued population growth and urbanization, the statement said. Source: Jordan News Agency