In the face of growing health challenges posed by climate change including rising heat-related illnesses, vector-borne and waterborne diseases and mental health issues, Swasti, The Health Catalyst, and the Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE), Columbia University, proudly announce the launch of ClimateCare Champions program. This innovative initiative aims to equip community health workers (CHWs) with the knowledge and skills needed to address the health impacts of climate change in core geographies of India, Cambodia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and beyond.
The program aims to empower communities to improve their wellbeing amidst climate change, a significant health challenge in the 21st century, which threatens air quality, food and water security, and increases the prevalence of infectious and chronic diseases. Dr. Cecilia Sorensen, Director of GCCHE adds, “This underscores our commitment to building climate-resilient communities and safeguarding the health of those who are most at risk.”
The ClimateCare Champions program aims to equip Community Health Workers with the skills to detect, prevent, and screen health effects from climate change in their communities. It also provides specialized training to enhance their communication and advocacy skills, enabling them to serve as trusted messengers for decision-makers in public and private sectors.
