STRENGTHENING PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEMS: ADDRESSING GAPS IN RESPONSES TO CLIMATE-RELATED HEALTH IMPACTS ON VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

Climate change is an ongoing crisis with increasingly severe consequences, posing significant threats to public health systems. Its impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including low-income communities, older adults, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Manifestations of climate change, such as extreme heat, rising sea levels, and natural disasters, exacerbate these challenges and strain public health infrastructure. This paper examines existing gaps within health systems that limit their ability to address climate-related health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups. It also identifies key challenges and explores potential strategies to strengthen public health responses. Ultimately, the paper advocates for the development of climate-resilient public health infrastructure and the implementation of policies aimed at mitigating climate-related health impacts.