April 8: The World Health Day this year focused on the effects of climate change on public health. In the capital, the day was observed at the Motithang Higher Secondary School.

Climate change is responsible for an estimated 160,000 deaths globally every year. The figure is expected to grow in the years to come. Therefore this year, world health day highlighted the adverse effects of climate change on public health.

At the function in Motithang, the Deputy Minister of Environment Dasho Nado Rinchen said with global warming diseases like malaria and dengue that are prevalent in sub-tropical areas may appear in temperate zones like Thimphu and Paro.

The Director of the Department of Public Health Dr. Ugyen Dophu said Bhutan cannot escape the impacts of climate change though the kingdom’s contribution to climate change is negligible.

The message of the WHO Regional Director Samlee Plianbangchang was also read at the occasion. He sad climate change can cause death and disease through heat waves, floods, and droughts. Scarcity of water and food mainly due to receding glaciers and irregular rains –could increase malnutrition.

After the programme, the chief guest and the other officials planted saplings as part of World Health Day commemoration.