Priorities of the Cuban Health System for Climate Change Adaptation 2021-2030

Abstract

Introduction: Scientific evidence reveals global warming with impacts on natural and human systems. The causal complexity constitutes a challenge for the health system in the face of Cuba's climate change adaptation policy.

Objective: To determine priorities for adaptation to climate change in the Cuban health sector for the period 2021-2030.

Methods: A qualitative, prospective, participatory, exploratory and inductive research on technological development and innovation was carried out through literature review, documentary analysis, analysis and synthesis, in-depth interview, focus group and Delphi method, together with the researcher's experience.

Results: Theoretical underpinnings supported multiple risks and impacts of climate change on health, and future repercussions at the level of individuals, population groups, health systems and services that served as basis for formulating a differentiated classification of effects in three dimensions (individual health, population health and health system). Three priorities for reducing vulnerabilities and raising resilience were validated.

Conclusions: The priorities for climate change adaptation during the period 2021-2030 were found to be relevant, correspond to the expected impacts of climate change and contribute to the fulfillment of the social mandate in the health system. Its implementation should include the practice of an intersectoral collaboration along with the Primary Health Care strategy, the updating of the Cuban State's plan to confront climate change and adaptation in the Central State Administration Organisms, from the area of population health, health systems and services.