KATHMANDU: Minister of Health and Food Safety Nisha Mehta has called for placing human health at the center of global climate discussions, saying climate change is not only an environmental crisis but also a serious public health threat.
Addressing the inauguration of the Nepal Pavilion at COP31, Mehta said climate change was directly affecting food and water security, disease risks, maternal and child health, and the lives of vulnerable communities.
She stressed the need to develop climate-resilient health systems, build sustainable health infrastructure and strengthen early warning systems. She also called for greater international cooperation, financial assistance and technology transfer to countries vulnerable to climate impacts.
During a meeting with Nepali youths and representatives of various organizations attending COP31, Mehta urged them to raise health concerns in international discussions, particularly the climate-related risks facing mountain communities and their effects on public health.
The information was made public by the Minister Nisha Mehta’s Secretariat.
