Nadi, Fiji (28 October 2015) - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) committed its support to Pacific nations Wednesday (October 28) on the countries' efforts towards advancing resilience to climate change through reproductive, maternal, newborn, children and adolescents' health or RMNCAH partnership.
UNFPA Asia and the Pacific Regional Office Deputy Director Lubna Baqi commended the Pacific region as being ahead of other regions in recognizing the health vulnerabilities of climate change, referring to several regional declarations from the Moana Declaration (2013) and to the Suva Declaration on Climate Change (2015).
"This region is ahead of others in recognizing the health vulnerabilities of climate change; the need to strengthen health systems to manage the effects of climate change; and the importance of mobilizing communities to increase their resilience and prospects for survival," Ms Baqi said.
"It is important to also recognize that the majority of health impacts of climate change will occur through an intensification of existing health burdens rather than the introduction of new diseases hence attention to health status of communities is particularly important, in particular the most vulnerable members of the community, such as women and children who we know will be impacted the most."
Ms Baqi was speaking at the official opening of the Ministerial Meeting of the Pacific Technical Experts and Ministers Consultation on Strengthening Climate Change Resilience through Reproductive, Maternal, New Born, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH).
Ms Baqi reminded the meeting of evidence which confirmed that women and men experienced the impact of climate change differently; women were more likely to lose their lives and less likely to access financial resources and assets to cope in the aftermath of disastrous events.
Acknowledging partnerships between the United Nations, its member states and civil society, Ms Baqi commended the Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health which would be instrumental in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the unfinished business of the Millennium Development Goals.
Emphasizing women's agency in post-disaster fragile situations, Ms Baqi said the specific physical, health and psychological needs of women and girls must be taken into account in climate change adaptation capacity discussions.
"Moreover, women should not be seen as merely passive recipients of relief efforts. Gender-responsive measures can have far-reaching and positive outcomes for climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts," Ms Baqi said.
"UNFPA stands ready to work closely with our national and other partners to fulfill these commitments - including building resilient healthcare system to withstand the impact of climate change: this is an unprecedented opportunity for all of us to transform the world for the better and ensure that we leave no one behind."
"This consultation provides a strong platform to make these advances in this region and beyond; and the Pacific voice which is strong and unified will be amplified in the climate change conference next month and the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016."
The Outcome Document was endorsed by the ministers.
