Environmental migration and its impact on public health is a pressing concern
The climate crisis is not just an environmental concern, but a global health emergency that requires immediate action from all sectors, including the pharmaceutical industry. This industry, which emits more CO2 per $1 million of revenue than the automotive industry, has a moral responsibility to act in response to this crisis.
The Access to Medicine Foundation, an independent organization that guides business and policy development for positive impact, is at the forefront of this effort. Led by CEO Jayasree K. Iyer, the Foundation's work primarily focuses on the pharmaceutical industry. Its mission is essential for business and policy development related to the climate crisis.
The Foundation's work includes guiding the industry to provide vital, life-saving treatments to those affected by the climate crisis. For instance, Hikma, a generic medicine manufacturer, reported donations of US$4 million in 2020 and US$4.9 million in 2023, mostly serving the needs in the surrounding region.
However, the R&D pipeline for emerging pathogens and neglected tropical diseases is drying up, and there is a lack of research into new antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance. This underscores the need for pharmaceutical companies to focus their efforts on these areas.
Moreover, climate displacement disrupts access to health services, exacerbates poverty, overcrowding, and social instability, and fuels the spread of infectious diseases. In the United States alone, 3.2 million adults were displaced or evacuated due to natural disasters in 2022 alone. On a global scale, approximately 21.5 million people are forcibly displaced each year due to natural disasters. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to 1.2 billion.
Efforts by pharmaceutical companies should focus on addressing these issues. A four-pronged strategy has been proposed: revamping supply-chains, investing in research and development for climate-sensitive diseases, forging long-term partnerships with humanitarian organizations, and boosting efforts to cut greenhouse-gas emissions.
Some pharmaceutical companies, such as Novartis and Novo Nordisk, have already launched programs to aid populations displaced by extreme weather events. This is a positive step, but more needs to be done.
The Access to Medicine Foundation's work is critically needed to address the global health emergency posed by the climate crisis. Investors must encourage companies to align their business practices with global health and climate goals for long-term financial and reputational benefits. The pharmaceutical industry has a crucial role to play in bolstering global health resilience, particularly in conflict zones and developing countries.
In conclusion, the climate crisis is a complex issue that requires collective action from all sectors. The pharmaceutical industry, with its unique capabilities, can make a significant contribution to addressing the health emergencies associated with climate displacement. The Access to Medicine Foundation's work is a beacon of hope in this endeavour.
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