On March 10th and 11th, Dr. Khuat Thi Hai Oanh, Executive Director of SCDI, attended the Asia-Pacific & Africa Coalition-Building Meeting For Climate Justice and Health. The event was organized by APCASO in Bangkok and brought together representatives from various organizations in the region, including KHANA Cambodia, ACHIEVE Inc., the Mongolian Anti-Tuberculosis Coalition, Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia, and Speak Up Africa.

The conference provided a platform for participants to share their accomplishments in addressing climate and health issues and explore interregional collaboration opportunities. A key focus was on integrating climate perspectives into health programs, particularly as climate change poses escalating threats to health and worsens global inequalities.

Photo: Dr. Khuat Thi Hai Oanh spoke at the meeting

One significant challenge discussed was the severe impact of abrupt funding cuts, which have disrupted or stopped many global HIV programs, leaving marginalized communities in increasingly precarious situations. Strengthening alliances among organizations in the region is, therefore, crucial to providing timely support to those in need.

This conference marked an important milestone in fostering regional connections and co-creating innovative, sustainable solutions for global climate justice and health equity.