The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Asanatou Bojang
4 April 2008
Dr Malick Njie, secretary of state for health and social welfare has said that climate change is not only a health threat but it is threat to every aspect of human life.
Speaking at a press briefing in anticipation of the commemoration of the world health day slated for April 7, 2008 on the theme protecting health from climate change yesterday Dr Njie said the impact of climate change on human health is a concern of his department of state . According to SoS Njie, climate change encouraged water borne diseases and it also disturb the water cycle.
Dr Njie stressed that all hands most be on deck to combat climate change " if not we will all perish as a result of its hazzardous effects.Every body should be involve in fight against climate change. It is global treat which most be tackle now not later."
For his part ,Dr Nestor Shivute, who residence representative in The Gambia said health is one of the areas most affected by climate change. According Dr Shivute, climate change is estimated to have cause the deaths of over 150,000 annually."The poor suffers most and countries with weak health systems or political unrest will be least able to cope with climate change".
He added that traditional public health tools are important components of effective response to climate change and should be strengthed.
Dr Shivute assured that WHO will help member states to prepare their health systems for emerging challenges brought by climate change." Before , climate change used to be natural but recently it is mainly as a result of human behaviour. Action must be applied at all levels to address the health consequences of climate change"
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