Dr Harsh Vardhan addresses the first meeting of WHO High-Level Coalition on Health and Energy Platform of Action

Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) addresses the first meeting of WHO High-Level Coalition on Health and Energy Platform of Action via video-conference stressed India’s unique position to pioneer a new model of economic development of low carbon emission and inclusive development.

The meeting was attended by several dignitaries and national heads and representatives of various stakeholders like World Bank, UNDP, UNHRC, The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Informing that COVID-19 has pushed governments and citizens to take extraordinary steps to protect human lives and reduce morbidity across the globe, Dr. Vardhan said, "The pandemic, as well as the enormous efforts to manage it, have reiterated the massive interdependence amongst various sectors. It has also underlined the need to ensure that inter-connectedness across sectors needs to be reflected in our policies to ensure effective and sustainable service delivery."

Referring to the expert apex body the National Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health Dr Vardhan informed that it focused on multiple objectives of creating awareness amongst the general population, healthcare providers and policy-makers regarding the impact of climate change on human health. The expert group submitted its report recently in April 2021 with the inclusion of subject-specific health action plans on identified climate-sensitive diseases and ‘One Health’.

He also notified that it is the need of the hour to exhibit firm political and financial commitment to mobilize resources for strengthening the capacity of the health and energy sectors.

"As nations prepare for the COVID-19 aftermath, there is a tremendous opportunity for a global reset. Ambitious green stimulus plans will help countries restore their economies while deepening their energy transition. Collaboration and collective action of this coalition group will help to achieve a greener and healthier planet," he added.