Much has been written about the threats climate change poses to human health, but a new report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) highlights the need for healthcare systems themselves to brace for the impacts.
Healthcare systems face increased pressure with surges in demand, according to the report, especially in low- and middle-income countries where underfunded systems may already be less equipped. WEF pegs the additional global healthcare burden at $1.6 trillion globally by 2050, identifying floods and droughts as leading causes of climate-related mortality and forecasting the rise and spread of malaria and dengue.
“Healthcare leaders worldwide need to encourage models of care and flexible infrastructures to build resilience for the anticipated increases in climate-related morbidity and mortality,” the report said. The WEF proposed a framework with two key pillars: resistance, or the ability to prevent, reduce, or delay climate change's impact on humans; and recovery, by providing fast stabilization of affected populations and healthcare infrastructure and effective treatment of long-term consequences.
The full report PDF can be downloaded at the link below.
Evan joined TriMed in 2011, writing primarily for Health Imaging. Prior to diving into medical journalism, Evan worked for the Nine Network of Public Media in St. Louis. He also has worked in public relations and education. Evan studied journalism at the University of Missouri, with an emphasis on broadcast media.