Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU) Pioneering climate and health research in Pakistan
Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU) has taken a pioneering step in addressing the intersection of climate change and human health by publishing Pakistan’s first-ever Journal of Health & Climate Change (JHCC). With three issues already released, this initiative solidifies RMU’s commitment to leading the way in evidence-based research and solutions for climate-induced health challenges.
Vice Chancellor of RMU, Professor Muhammad Umar (S.I) (T.I), and Patron-in-Chief of Journal of Health & Climate Change (JHCC), highlighted this milestone as a transformative achievement for the university. Speaking to The News, he stated, “Climate change poses a significant global challenge, affecting millions of lives through its impact on health. Smog is just one recent example of the devastating consequences. RMU has taken the lead by addressing these critical issues through research and education.”
He added that RMU plans to embed climate change and its health impacts into its undergraduate curriculum, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 13: “Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.” This step aims to equip future healthcare professionals with the tools to tackle climate-related health crises, from respiratory illnesses due to air pollution to vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.
RMU’s contributions extend beyond academics. The university has delved into the mental health impacts of climate change, exploring the psychological toll of natural disasters, displacement, and long-term environmental degradation. By generating critical data through epidemiological studies, RMU has informed policymakers and public health officials, ensuring more targeted responses to these growing challenges.
Professor Umar emphasized that RMU is not only identifying health risks but also actively working on solutions. The university is addressing community health issues tied to climate change, such as smog, floods, and energy conservation, while promoting practices like rainwater harvesting. Through its unique role as a hub of research, education, and community engagement, RMU is shaping effective strategies to combat one of the most pressing global crises of our time.
This forward-thinking approach ensures RMU remains at the forefront of integrating climate science into medical education, empowering healthcare professionals to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the health of future generations.
