ADB-MoHFW to document conclave’s key topics for action plans
An India-ADB conclave has called on the Indian government to establish regulations and safeguards for private sector investors in climate and health in the country.
Making the call, Jaya Singh, Policy and Programme Lead for the Asia Pacific Region at United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office underlined the need for attractive funding models, such as green catalytic funding and guarantee-based grants, to support targeted sectors including infrastructure, health and education https://www.cii.in/.
She spoke on a session on “Blended Finance for Climate-Health Bold Bets”, at the conclusive session of the Climate and Health Solutions (CHS) India Conclave, co-hosted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Delhi digitalinasia .
The session also showcased innovations on the conclave sub-thematic areas, such as a Climate Risk Observatory Tool for heat and health mapping and management, Pluss Technologies, Blackfrog Technologies, and Redwings for climate resilient health infrastructure and the work of ARTPARK, IISc Bangalore for climate and health early warning systems.
The conclave served as a vital platform to develop concrete, actionable, and forward-thinking solutions, highlighting the urgency of integrating climate action with public health strategies. Participants from various states and sectors successfully initiated dialogues and action plans that will shape India’s approach to health and climate in the years to come.
More than 300 participants engaged in in-depth discussions on critical issues, including Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Mental Health, Nutrition, Climate-Ready Healthcare Human Resources, Blended Finance for Climate-Health Bold Bets, Digital Technologies and Data, and the development of Climate-Resilient and Responsive Health Systems and Infrastructure.
A roundtable on “Climate Resilient and Responsive Health Systems and Infrastructure” at the conclave was chaired by representatives from 19 states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
The session emphasized the urgent need for adaptive infrastructure capable of withstanding the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
The roundtable on “Non-Communicable Diseases, Nutrition and Mental Health” had key discussions featuring varied contributions. Dr. Cherian Varghese discussed the Kerala floods and how climate change is impacting the social determinants of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly livelihoods, access to healthcare, and the disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable.
Going forward, ADB and MoHFW will publish an outcome document detailing the eight key conclave topics, identified outcomes, and an accompanying bouquet of activities that will inform national, regional and sub-national climate and health action plans. The Climate and Health Solutions (CHS) Multi-Stakeholder Thought and Action India Conclave will serve as a blueprint for future climate-health provincial sprints, bootcamps, and initiatives in India. Fiinews.com
