UAEU plays up on climate change talks

Abu Dhabi: Environmentalists and healthcare experts from across the region highlighted the potential impact of climate change on world health during an ongoing global health conference at the UAEmirates University (UAEU).

They stressed the importance of effects that climate change has upon the Middle East in particular, adding that it is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change, in the world.

Dean Eman Nuwayhid, MD, PhD, DPH, of the Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, presented his research work and his findings to date in his lecture "Climate Change Challenges to Health in Arab Countries."

He also presented the joint efforts of the Issam Fares Institute and Faculty of Health Sciences at the American University of Beirut to promote a regional research/policy agenda on climate change.

Nuwayhid's research focuses on the impact of environmental and work-related hazards.

Making an effort

He has led efforts in Lebanon and the Arab region to promote the ecosystem and is one of the founders of the Community of Practice for Eco-Health in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Dr Abdullah Al Khanbashi, Vice-Chancellor of UAEU, said: "Climate change has the potential to affect a variety of economic, cultural and social circumstances in the region and can cause a sharp increase in the prevalence of poverty-driven endemic diseases. I am delighted that the UAEU is able to play a key role in furthering research into this area, and to provide greater understanding to the relationship between health and climate change..."