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(Date Posted:06/04/2008 05:32:20)
The Minister of Health and Quality of Life, Mr. Satish Faugoo, underlined the urgent need to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on health as the Global Climate Change is posing a growing threat to public health. In a speech yesterday at Ebène Cyber Tower at the launching of a series of activities to mark the World Health Day which is observed on the 7th of April each year, the Minister laid stress on the negative effects of climate change. According to him variable weather, heat waves, intense storms, air pollution, and flooding have serious bearing on the health of the individual and of the population at large. Protecting Health from Climate Change is the theme chosen this year by the World Health Organisation to mark the World Health Day. Minister Faugoo stated that the theme is of particular relevance to the population in Mauritius especially after the exceptional torrential rains that the country has recently witnessed. The Ministry of Health and Quality of Life has already put in place an aggressive campaign to control the vector and food borne diseases, he said. He pointed out that Government needs to work together with the civil society and the various stakeholders to address the problems related to climate change. There is need for coordinated and concerted actions amongst all health stakeholders so that health activities, programmes and projects are implemented with a multisectoral approach, Mr. Faugoo said. Activities held to mark World Health Day 2008, included a one-day seminar and an exhibition. The purpose of the exhibition and the seminar was to raise awareness of the population about the impact of climate change on health. The seminar also provided a forum to reflect upon the major challenges facing the health sector as a result of climate change.
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