US-Vietnam Effort to Address Climate Change-Induced Public Health Threats

On June 7, the “Strengthening Climate Change Related One Health Response” project was launched in Can Tho city, Vietnam, by the United States Mission to Vietnam, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Joining the launch event were Mr. Nguyen Thuc Hien, Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People’s Committee; Ms. Aler Grubbs, USAID/Vietnam Mission Director, and Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam. The project aimed to support climate vulnerable Can Tho city and An Giang provinces to build local capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to climate-change induced infectious diseases. The project, in consultation with local stakeholders including businesses and women’s union, will help the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho and An Giang provinces implement new One HealthInitiatives in three areas: (1) advancing telehealth options to boost health access and early detection, (2) upgrading primary health infrastructure, and (3) equipping local authorities and health systems. For the next phase, the project intends to expand to the Soc Trang province, work with government ministries and other partners to develop a strong One Health workforce, and incorporate climate change factors into the national One Health strategies.
 
Vietnam is facing major risk of the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases due to climate change. Ms. Khalidi shared in her talking points that over half of 375 infectious diseases had been made worse by climate-related factors, such as altered rainfall patterns, severe fluctuations in temperature, and humidity. These changes can lead to intensifying droughts, tropical storms, and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta, which is a catalystfor vector-borne diseases and diseases spillover from animals to human. Moreover, scientists and world leaders had affirmed the urgency of emergency preparedness at the recent Global Pandemic Accord. In response to this, the One Health Partnership between USAID and Vietnam will continue their 20-year collaboration to focus on climate change and diseases, as part of their shared priorities under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.