Azerbaijan's health minister calls for climate-resilient healthcare workforce at COP29

Azerbaijan's Minister of Health, Teymur Musayev, addressed the critical link between climate change and healthcare during an event at COP29, focusing on "Strengthening the Health Workforce to Prepare for and Respond to the Health Effects of Climate Change."

In his speech, Minister Musayev underscored the importance of integrating health considerations into climate action, describing the COP29 conference as "remarkably successful and productive" in advancing this agenda, Caliber.Az reports.

"For the first time, a holistic approach to human development has been emphasized within the climate change agenda," he stated.

Highlighting the challenges posed by climate change to global healthcare systems, Musayev stressed the urgent need to strengthen the health workforce.

"Doctors, nurses, and medical technicians are not only providers of medical services but also pillars of a healthy society. Preparing healthcare professionals is a lengthy and costly process, and we face a global shortage of healthcare providers," he noted.

The minister identified a pressing issue in Azerbaijan and other developing nations: the shortage of healthcare professionals in rural areas, particularly in community-level primary healthcare. "The problem is especially acute at the community level in primary healthcare, which forms the foundation of any effective healthcare system," he said.

To address these challenges, Musayev advocated for reforms to create a climate-resilient health workforce.

"Developing a climate-resilient health workforce involves multiple facets, including medical education reform, postgraduate training, and targeted strategies to retain medical specialists in remote areas," he explained.

He also emphasised the need to motivate healthcare workers to serve in underserved regions, framing it as both a strategic and human rights issue.

Musayev further outlined Azerbaijan's approach to mitigating the health impacts of climate change through sustainable practices.

"Key actions include building low-carbon, sustainable healthcare systems, developing green hospitals, and preparing a climate-resilient health workforce. These are vital components of a sustainable and healthy future," he said.

He hailed the COP29 platform for its role in fostering international cooperation and introduced the "Baku COP Presidencies Continuity Coalition for Climate and Health." Musayev highlighted its importance in ensuring sustained progress: "Ensuring continuity in climate and health actions is crucial for success in embedding health at the core of the climate agenda. Indeed, the climate agenda is now inseparable from the health agenda."

The health minister concluded by emphasizing the complexity of building a climate-resilient healthcare system, calling for long-term commitment and resources.

"The development of a climate-resilient health workforce is a complex and multifaceted task. It requires providing intensive training, offering social and economic support to healthcare workers, raising awareness and implementing various other measures. Achieving this goal demands time and sustainable financing," he said.

Despite the challenges, Musayev expressed optimism about the future. "With the collaboration of national and international partners, I am confident we can succeed in building a healthier, more sustainable future for our people," he affirmed.

The COP29 conference continues to foster discussions and strategies for global climate and health resilience, with Azerbaijan playing a pivotal role in shaping the integrated agenda.

By Aghakazim Guliyev