Case-study /
Healthier Citizens in Healthier Cities
Project Overview
Based on the results of a health sector study which was carried out in year 2010 (ACCCRN Phase II), it was recommended to establish an urban health and climate resilience center which builds on the knowledge and operating procedures established in Surat. This study analyzed nearly two decades of disease data and highlighted several issues related to vector-borne diseases. This idea was further discussed in the City Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings and the SMC and other members shortlisted this project as one of the high priority interventions to build resilience of the city, especially the poor (who are differentially more vulnerable to vector-borne diseases due to location of their settlements) and the vulnerable. The city stakeholders in the CAC meeting underline the need for promoting healthy and resilient population in the light of unavoidable climate change scenario. The Climate Resilience Strategy (2011) document identifies public health as one of priority areas for adaptation intervention. Building resilience for changing climate will require engagement of people/communities and capacity development of multiple institutions.
Vision
Protect public health and safety under changing climatic conditions and extreme weather events, enhance living environment quality, and promote an equitable and prosperous society.
Aim
The aim of this project is to develop and share an evidence base to recommend more effective health services that improve resilience to climate change impacts on urban citizens, particularly poor and vulnerable communities.
Objectives of Project
To establish a state level center of excellence in urban health and climate resilience to:
- Plan and integrate research on urban health and climate resilience
- Research to develop evidence based interventions in urban health
- Research to understand the process of climate resilience, to contribute to development of policy and programs towards climate resilience strategy
- Develop mechanisms, pre-emptive measures and protocols for control of infectious diseases
- Focus on policy advocacy in respect of urban health and climate resilience
- Develop public health climate change adaptation strategy for city of Surat and networking opportunities to scale up activities in other cities in Gujarat/India
- Act as a resource Center for all urban local bodies in Gujarat and India
- Evaluate and assess urban health programs in Gujarat and India
- Undertake capacity building activities in urban health sector in Gujarat
Expected Outcomes
- The city and the state in specific will be able to reduce the disease burden in urban areas, thereby promoting equitable and prosperous society
- A set of standard operating procedures to anticipate, control and learn from climate informed urban preventive urban health management system.
- A platform for training preventive health professionals
- Evidence based research outputs that can improve the effectiveness of the preventive social health system
- Reduce inequity in health and promote protection of poor and vulnerable population/communities in urban areas of Surat.
