Changing climatic conditions, according to CMO Belmar-George, increases the spread of different different diseases. The Ministry is devising strategies to respond to these eventualities.

“We note, with our data, the effect climate change is having on the various diseases and when they occur. We note the increases in vector-borne outbreaks within the country and within the region. We see the effects we get on our gastrointestinal diseases based on our rainfall pattern,” CMO Belmar-George observed.

However, she added, a plan to tackle the increases in these disease diagnoses has not yet been put together. “We know it’s real, we see what is happening from a health perspective, but in terms of having proper plans to reduce the impact that it's having on the health, this is one of the gaps that was recognised.”

PAHO NCD’s and Mental Health Advisor Dr. Taraleen Malcolm underscored the importance of climate change being a health issue in the region. “Here in the Caribbean, we are all familiar with the challenged climate change present - the rising temperatures, the extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and floods, sea level rise, fluctuating rainfall, et cetera. They are not just environmental problems but health challenges that require our immediate action and collective collaboration,” she said.

Of late, stakeholders from various sectors of society are developing plans to combat the onset of climate change.