NNA-Kenya recognizes the significant impact of climate change on human health and the vulnerability of nurses and the communities they serve. The association is committed to playing a role in addressing climate change and its health consequences. Here are some specific ways in which NNA-Kenya is getting involved in solving climate change:
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Raising awareness and educating nurses about climate change and its health impacts: NNA-Kenya is conducting workshops and training sessions for nurses to educate them about the health risks associated with climate change, such as heat stress, infectious diseases, and malnutrition. This knowledge empowers nurses to provide better care to patients affected by climate change and to advocate for policies that mitigate its effects.
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Promoting climate-resilient healthcare practices: NNA-Kenya is encouraging nurses to adopt practices that reduce the healthcare sector’s environmental footprint and enhance its resilience to climate change. This includes promoting energy efficiency and water conservation measures, reducing waste generation, and using eco-friendly products.
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Advocating for climate-smart policies: NNA-Kenya is engaging with policymakers at the national and county levels to advocate for policies that address climate change and protect public health. This includes advocating for policies that promote renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
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Supporting community-based climate change adaptation initiatives: NNA-Kenya is collaborating with community organizations and healthcare providers to support initiatives that help communities adapt to climate change and protect their health. This includes providing training on climate-resilient agriculture practices, distributing water filtration systems, and promoting early warning systems for extreme weather events.
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Building capacity among nurses for research on climate change and health: NNA-Kenya is encouraging nurses to engage in research on the health impacts of climate change and the effectiveness of climate-resilient healthcare interventions. This research can inform policy decisions and improve the delivery of healthcare services in a changing climate.