VIENTIANE, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Laos' Ministry of Health will work closely with development partners to enhance the country's health system and improve its resilience to the impacts of climate change.
The Strengthening Climate Resilience of Laos' Health System project, a five-year initiative funded by the Green Climate Fund, will support the implementation of the country's national climate change and health adaptation plans, Lao News Agency reported on Monday.
The project aims to strengthen 100 health facilities and assist 250 communities across 25 districts in seven provinces, including Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha, Phongsaly, Oudomxay, Salavan, Khammuan, and Sekong.
Key project activities include training health workers to address climate-related health risks, upgrading infrastructure to be climate-resilient, and raising community awareness.
The initiative also focuses on expanding early warning systems and improving healthcare access for over 2.3 million people in high-risk rural areas.
The increasing threats of climate change in Laos, including rising temperatures, natural disasters, and air pollution, pose serious health risks. It could damage vital health infrastructure and contribute to the spread of diseases such as malaria and diarrhea. ■
