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Vulnerable Groups

Health Ministry Calls for Local Action Plans on Climate Change and Health

Leave a Comment / By / Health & Wellness Community

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has urged States and Union Territories to draft district and city-level action plans under the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH). The initiative aims to address the growing health challenges posed by climate change and air pollution. In a letter addressed to Chief Secretaries and Advisors of all States and Union Territories, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized the importance of including air pollution mitigation strategies in the action plans. She also called for the expansion of sentinel hospitals to monitor illnesses related to air pollution, ensuring a robust surveillance mechanism. The updated health advisories shared by the Ministry provide guidelines to strengthen existing healthcare systems and advocate for raising awareness among vulnerable populations and high-risk occupational groups. Srivastava highlighted that the combined efforts of local governments and stakeholders could effectively tackle the intertwined crises of air pollution and climate change. The NPCCHH framework encourages community participation, innovation, and capacity building to mitigate the health impacts of environmental challenges. The Ministry’s focus on air pollution reflects its acknowledgment of the urgent need to address respiratory illnesses and other health conditions exacerbated by poor air quality. This directive follows an increasing recognition of the impact of climate change on public health, including rising cases of heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases, and respiratory disorders. By empowering local authorities to devise actionable plans, the Ministry aims to create resilient health systems capable of addressing future challenges. With this initiative, the Ministry underscores the role of proactive governance and intersectoral collaboration in safeguarding public health amidst changing environmental conditions. Source: newsonair.gov.in Photo Credit: newsonair.gov.in

G20 Declaration: Commitment to Inclusive, Quality Education with Emphasis on Technology and Lifelong Learning

Leave a Comment / By / Education Community

In the latest G20 Declaration released on Saturday, member nations reiterated their unwavering commitment to providing “inclusive, equitable, and high-quality” education. Notably, the declaration takes a significant step forward by advocating the use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance and ensure the widespread accessibility of education. The declaration strongly emphasized the use of digital technologies to bridge existing digital divides for all learners. It pledged support for educational institutions and teachers to help them stay updated with emerging trends and technological advancements, including AI. Additionally, the declaration highlighted the critical need for lifelong learning, with a particular focus on upskilling, reskilling, and skilling for vulnerable groups in society. This commitment to education is not new for the G20, as previous declarations have consistently stressed the importance of inclusive, equitable education and lifelong learning, with particular attention to marginalized communities. These declarations have also acknowledged the pivotal role that blended learning approaches played during the pandemic. Furthermore, the declaration underscored the significance of foundational learning, including literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills, as the fundamental building blocks of education and employment. It reaffirmed member nations’ dedication to fostering increased collaboration among their educational institutions. The G20 Declaration also reaffirmed the commitment to promoting open, equitable, and secure scientific collaboration and encouraged the mobility of students, scholars, researchers, and scientists across research and higher education institutions. Moreover, member nations expressed their dedication to expanding access to high-quality technical and vocational education and training, recognizing its importance. Building on the previous declaration in Bali, the New Delhi declaration also addressed gender disparities in education, emphasizing the commitment to bridging this gap. It ensured equal access to affordable, inclusive, safe, and quality education at all levels, with a focus on women and girls, including those with disabilities, in STEM fields and emerging digital technologies.