Columbia University, Swasti, The Health Catalyst, and the Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE) are launching the Climate Care Champions program to address the increasing health challenges posed by climate change. This innovative initiative aims to equip community health workers (CHWs) with the knowledge and skills needed to address the health impacts of climate change in core geographies of India, Cambodia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and beyond.
This program is a collaborative effort driven by the urgent need to empower communities to enhance their wellbeing despite the looming threat of climate change. Identified as the greatest health challenge of the 21st century, the climate crisis poses severe risks to air quality, food and water security, and amplifies the prevalence of infectious and chronic diseases. Dr. Cecilia Sorensen, Director of GCCHE adds, “This underscores our commitment to building climate-resilient communities and safeguarding the health of those who are most at risk.”
The ClimateCare Champions program aims to equip Community Health Workers with the skills to detect, prevent, and screen climate change-related health effects in their communities. It also provides specialized training to enhance their communication and advocacy skills, enabling them to promote localized interventions to address specific public health risks.