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REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
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SIXTY-SEVENTH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY
General Discussions “Climate change and health”
Statement by Dr. Andrei USATII, Minister of Health of the Republic of Moldova
(Geneva, 20 May 2014)
Mr. President,
Madam Director General,
Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
Let me begin by expressing gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Margaret Chan and her team for their
work in addressing the global health challenges.
We welcome dedicating this year’s general discussions to climate change and health. This debate
could not have come at a more opportune time, as we see the increasing and more severe healthrelated risks and implications of a global climate which is now changing faster than at any point in
human civilization.
It is now clear that reductions and seasonal changes in the availability of fresh water, rising
temperatures, regional drops in food production, the reduction of natural resources, and major
disasters associated with climate change have a great impact not only on the economic development,
but most importantly on the fundamentals of health. Therefore, a greater consideration of the
human health dimension of climate change is imperative for both the development of effective
policy and the mobilization of all stakeholders.
Distinguished delegates,
The WHO’s findings that the most severe risks are posed to developing countries and countries
with economy in transition, with negative implications for the achievement of the health-related
Millennium Development Goals and for health equity, are particularly worrisome. We are already
witnessing some of these major effects in our country, including excessively high temperatures in
the summer and extremely cold winters in different years.
It is in this context that national authorities attach a great importance to mitigation and adaptation
policies. Thus, the draft National Strategy on adaptation to climate change is being currently
examined for further approval by the Government. This strategic document will offer the needed
framework for assigning the different roles and responsibilities, formulating priority tasks and
concrete benchmarks for implementation both at the national and local levels. Based on the
provisions of the National Strategy, the Ministry of Health through the National Center for Public
Health has initiated the development of a Health sector Action Plan for adaptation.
Despite the already available data and know-how, we believe that further research and exchange of
information is required for an effective response to climate change at all levels. Therefore, Moldovan
authorities have initiated a scientific study on the particular impact of heat waves and cold on the
population of our country. The outcome of the research will serve as a basis for the establishment of
the National Early Warning System on extremely high and low temperature periods.
Furthermore, the study has identified the relationship between sudden air temperature changes or
severe weather and daily mortality, which disproportionately affects certain categories of
population that are more exposed to health risks. That is why protecting the most vulnerable in the
society and ensuring improved health conditions for all will constitute a vital contribution to global
public health security.
Lastly, we consider that reducing reliance on energy sources that pollute the environment and
harm health are actions of proven effectiveness, while the health sector is one of the largest
consumers of energy and other resources. Currently, programs are being implemented in my country
to encourage the use of alternative energy sources, for example solar panel equipment for water
heating and obtaining electricity in medical and social facilities. Therefore, improving the
sustainability of health institutions greatly contributes to reducing climate change.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Health challenges are closely linked and require concerted and comprehensive action. Let me take this
opportunity to underline once again our commitment and strong dedication to addressing other public
health problems, such as hepatitis and the global epidemic of violence, in particular against
women and girls. In this context, we would like to express our continuing support for the resolutions
EB134.R18 and, respectively, decision EB134 (6) which we count on being adopted by this Health
Assembly.
The 40th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization reminds us once again of the
importance of making vaccines available around the world. The activity of the Global Alliance for
Vaccines and Immunization is paramount in addressing the world’s large burden of infectious
diseases.
We equally commend WHO’s work for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases
and support the adoption by this Assembly of the Terms of reference for the Global Coordination
Mechanism and of the 9 Action Plan indicators. We also look forward to take stock of the progress
made in implementing the commitments of the 2011 Political Declaration on the NCDs, in the
framework of the High Level General Assembly meeting scheduled for July in New York.
WHO Leadership in guiding us during this Assembly and beyond is essential. The significant
achievements in the reform process prove the organization’s commitment to institutional
accountability and transparency. We are looking forward to even more significant progress, including
with regard to the initiative of engagement with non-state actors. These and other efforts in the area
of governance and managerial reforms will serve the ultimate goal of protecting and promoting
people’s health.
Lastly, Mr. President, let me emphasize the role of partnership and collaboration of all sectors and
communities in addressing the multi-faceted effects of climate change. If we want to look beyond
2015 with confidence and determination, a stronger engagement of all for an effective response to
climate change and health challenges will be needed. We believe both of these issues must have a
secure place on the post-2015 development agenda.
Allow me to also underline that we fully align with the Statement of Mr. S.A. Georgiadis, Minister
of Health of Greece, delivered on behalf of the European Union and we look forward to productive
and result-oriented discussions.
I thank you, Mr. President.