Paramaribo, Suriname, 18 December 2024 (PAHO/WHO) - In a significant move to tackle the growing health challenges posed by climate change, representatives from various sectors across Suriname convened in Paramaribo for a consultation led by the Ministry of Health with technical support from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The gathering included experts from agriculture, finance, environment, indigenous and tribal groups, hospitals, primary healthcare, and public health institutions, all united in their effort to chart a path forward for assessing and adapting to the effects of climate change on the country’s health.
Participants discussed existing data and systems to address climate change’s impact. Though Suriname’s population is relatively small, the diverse terrain and varying climates across the country have already led to noticeable changes, with impacts ranging from shifting rainfall patterns to the movement of populations and the emergence of new infectious disease profiles. Diseases like dengue and leptospirosis have changed patterns due to these shifts. Moreover, the country’s vital role in global climate health, particularly its significant contribution to absorbing carbon dioxide, adds an urgent layer of responsibility.
The consultation highlighted the ripple effects of climate change, including disruptions to non-communicable disease prevention, healthcare access, and healthcare delivery systems. Dr. Radjesh Ori, Director of the Bureau of Public Health, emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors to prepare for the inevitable health threats posed by climate change. He stressed that a unified approach was critical for creating strategies to protect Suriname's population.
Dr. Yafflo Ouattara, the PAHO/WHO Representative for Suriname, stressed the critical nature of the situation, describing climate change as “the greatest public health threat of our time.” He highlighted the severe impact of the ongoing drought in Suriname’s interior, which has significantly disrupted the livelihoods of numerous communities.
Dr. Karen Polson-Edwards, PAHO Regional Advisor on Climate Change and Health, facilitated the discussions and guided participants toward developing a Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP). This plan integrates all health-determining sectors to assess current challenges and promote strategies for adapting to Suriname’s evolving environmental and biological landscape.
The meeting focused on key areas including leadership and governance, health workforce, health information systems, essential medical products and technologies, service delivery, and financing. Participants agreed that addressing climate-related health challenges would require a multi-sectoral approach involving energy, water, urban planning, and health sectors. They emphasized the need for technical capacity building and a thorough assessment of existing health systems and facilities to ensure they are capable of withstanding the effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures and water supply fluctuations. The importance of strong leadership was also underscored, with participants calling for a commitment to adaptation planning from the highest levels of government and minimal political interference.
Looking ahead, the PAHO/WHO will provide technical support for vulnerability and adaptation assessments, which will be conducted in 2025. These assessments will help shape a comprehensive Health National Adaptation Plan tailored to Suriname’s unique needs. Additionally, health facilities will be evaluated in 2025 to develop “SMART” facilities - those that are resilient to climate change and other shocks. Climate-resilient water safety plans are also set to be developed and implemented, and early warning systems for heatwaves and vector-borne diseases will be established in the coming years.
As Suriname takes these critical steps to safeguard the health of its population, the country is positioning itself as a leader in climate adaptation within the Caribbean and beyond.
