In a collaborative effort aimed at tackling the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on health in rural Ghana, stakeholders from various sectors gathered in Tamale on April 3rd, 2024. Organized by the University for Development Studies (UDS) in partnership with the University of Southampton, UK a one-day stakeholder engagement marked the launch of a research project. This project focuses on implementing sustainable climate change services for health at the community level.

Professor Victor Mogre, in his welcome address, emphasized the importance of community-based approaches in addressing climate change challenges. "The purpose of the stakeholder dialogue is to discuss and brainstorm on how to use community-based approaches to combat climate change and its health-related consequences," Prof. Mogre said. He stressed the need for co-creation to indigenize climate change concepts, particularly within communities most affected by its impacts.

Chairing the workshop was Professor Stephen Tabiri, Dean of the UDS Medical School, who expressed his enthusiasm for the project's community-based approach. "I love community work and engagements and I’m of the view that the people in the grassroots have the knowledge we need to learn from, so respect the people and do not think they are ignorant," Prof. Tabiri said. He reiterated the importance of finding solutions to climate change and its health-related complications through collaborative efforts.

Dr. Michael Head of Southampton University presented findings from previous climate change research conducted in communities within the Mion District, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. Climate change is extremely felt in Ghana, particularly in the Northern part of the country, the data from the findings show.

Representing the Regional Health Director, Dr. Hilarius Abiwu reaffirmed the Ghana Health Service's commitment to supporting the project. "We are willing to assist and provide any data required for the success of the project," Dr. Abiwu stated, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing climate change challenges.

The stakeholder meeting provided a platform for dialogue among participants from academia, the Ghana Health Service, local government, and community leaders. In group sessions, attendees brainstormed solutions to climate change and underscored the importance of localizing interventions to suit the unique needs of communities.

The dialogue served as a step towards addressing climate change and its health-related impacts in rural Ghana, demonstrating the power of partnership and community engagement in driving sustainable solutions.

Story by Sumaila Mohammed (UDS Media)