One Health Approach for Mitigation of Impact of Climate Change on Early Childhood Development.

Abstract

Climate change is an unavoidable process and its effects on the environment is varied in different geographies. In developing world, the effects of climate change have an enormous impact on young children. Climate change deeply impacts early childhood development, posing distinctive challenges to young children through disruptions in health resources, such as air, water, food, and shelter. These disruptions result in increased vulnerability to extreme weather events, respiratory diseases, malnutrition, and vector-borne illnesses, all of which can hinder physical, cognitive, and emotional growth. The one health approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, offers a holistic framework for addressing these challenges. This article serves to raise significant risks in climate change and its effects on early childhood, such as health impacts of extreme weather, deterioration of air quality, nutritional risks, and diseases. It espouses cross-sector collaboration to drive integrated services that strengthen resilience in health systems, as well as further develop environmental education for empowerment of communities. Moreover, it puts emphasis on research-informed policymaking for the effective creation of targeted interventions for vulnerabilities in children. One health approach would be appropriate for societies with resource limitations and political barriers. Adapting to this approach can sustainably lead to multidisciplinary solutions. Resilient health systems, community awareness, early childhood priority in climate action plans, and healthy and sustainable futures for current and subsequent generations can all be ensured through mitigation of adverse effects of climate change.