Global health report warns: urgent action needed as climate change and refugee health challenges escalate
A new report from Professor Jonathan Abrahams titled "Global Health Action Delayed: People’s Health and Wellbeing Denied," reveals significant problems in global public health efforts, highlighting the urgent need for action to address two major issues: climate change and refugee immunisation.
The report points out a troubling gap between the growing dangers of climate change and the lack of global investment in solutions. It shows that nearly 154 million people live less than one metre above sea level, making them extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels and severe weather events.
While there have been some recent policy improvements, the report criticises governments for not providing enough funding and support. Specifically, it notes Australia's lack of commitment to the UN’s global climate funds and its failure to fully support its new National Health and Climate Strategy.
The report also highlights serious shortcomings in immunisation for refugees and asylum seekers, a group that is still not adequately vaccinated. Inconsistent healthcare services and policies in different regions make this issue worse, increasing the risk of diseases that could be prevented by vaccines. The report calls for more targeted and culturally sensitive immunisation programs and better support for primary care providers.
Professor Jonathan Abrahams is the Director of the Monash University Disaster Resilience Initiative.