Interview with Séna Alouka, Executive Director of the NGO JVE, on the link between the planet and health

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Extract from the article: « Sommes-nous capables de repenser un monde dans lequel les économies privilégient la santé et le bien-être ? » C’est avec ces mots que l’OMS a choisi d’interpeller les gouvernements et les citoyens du monde entier à l’occasion de la journée...

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«...human health depends on the health of the planet or the environment in which we live. The sicker our planet is, the sicker we are too».

“Are we capable of rethinking a world in which economies prioritize health and well-being?” With these words, the WHO has chosen to challenge governments and citizens around the world on World Health Day, April 7, 2022. What is the link between our planet Earth and our health? Séna Alouka, Executive Director of the NGO Jeunes Volontaires pour l'Environnement (JVE), wants to draw everyone's attention to the interdependence of the planet's ecosystems and health.

Health-Education: “Our planet, our health” is the theme chosen for World Health Day 2022. What message does this theme convey?

Séna Alouka: This theme aims to show that there is a close link between the planet and health. Indeed, human health depends on the “health” of the planet, or the environment in which we live.The “sicker” our planet is, the sicker we are too.In today's era of the Millennium Development Goals, it is important to develop in a multi-faceted way, and health is one of the most important sectors to consider.This led to the drafting of the Libreville Declaration on Health and Environment in Africa on August 29, 2008. This declaration recognizes that human health is intimately linked to the state of the environment. We are delighted that this theme has been chosen this year. According to WHO estimates, every year over 13 million deaths worldwide are attributable to preventable environmental causes. This includes the climate crisis, the greatest health threat facing humanity. Indeed, the climate crisis is also a health crisis.

What is the link between climate change and health?

In view of the consequences and scale of climate change, it is now preferable to speak of a climate crisis.Climate change is the greatest health threat facing the world, and it is also a health crisis.The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that climate change is responsible for at least 150,000 deaths a year, a figure set to double by 2030.According to the IPCC, the climate crisis will have repercussions on the health of populations living in tropical regions.The consequences are numerous.These include malnutrition and undernourishment, mortality and morbidity linked to extreme heat, the proliferation of vector-borne infectious diseases such as dengue fever, cholera and malaria, and post-traumatic mental stress linked to extreme events and the migration phenomena that may ensue for climate refugees.Possible solutions include the use of solar lamps, the practice of agroecology and the promotion of public transport.

The COP is a conference aimed at resolving climate change issues. What concrete results have been achieved after 26 international meetings?

The various COPs have enabled progress to be made in climate negotiations, financing and advocacy.In this climate crisis, Africa is the most vulnerable.The big polluters are the developing countries, and they are the prime decision-makers.Indeed, the COPs have reminded everyone of the urgency and necessity of taking action to combat the climate crisis.Governments have also been called to account for their actions, both by their peers and by civil society.COPs attract media attention and, whatever they may say, most governments are concerned about the image they project on the international stage. These gatherings have encouraged youth participation in decision-making, and the sharing of experience on climate management.Nevertheless, these COPs have their limits, as the decisions taken are not implemented, the big polluters are the developing countries and they are the first decision-makers, making Africa the most vulnerable, the cumbersome and slow process, the diversity and complexity of the issues tackled, the consensus rule, disconnection from certain realities.

Interview by Raymond DZAKPATA