Griffith University grants Rs 1.2 crore to researcher from Andhra Pradesh to study climate change
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Vijayawada: A young research scholar from Andhra Pradesh clinched a prestigious research project from Australia's
Griffith University
to take an in-depth study to handle the extreme heat in the state.
The findings of the research led by NV Sarath Chandra will aim to contribute to improving
public health policies
and public healthcare systems (PHCs to tertiary hospitals) in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Griffith university granted a massive Rs 1.2 crore to take up the research in AP. This is considered to be the highest amount to be granted by any foreign university to take up a research project in AP.
Sarath felt that the increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves, driven by human-induced climate change, are posing significant public health challenges globally. In India, extreme heat has emerged as a leading cause of premature mortality linked to natural disasters.
"
Heat Health Action Plans
(HHAPs) are vital policy tools designed to enhance preparedness, strengthen response mechanisms, and mitigate the health impacts of extreme heat. Effective HHAPs require broad coverage and a multisectoral approach, engaging various sectors such as health, urban planning, and disaster management," said Sarath.
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For instance, the Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan, launched in 2013, has been credited with preventing an estimated 1,190 deaths annually. According to WHO framework, a successful HHAP should include eight core components essential for achieving meaningful health outcomes.
"Andhra Pradesh public healthcare system needs to play a key role in addressing this problem and
extreme heat impacts
the socioeconomically vulnerable populations the most," he advocated. After an year of extensive literature review around this topic at the Griffith university, Sarath Chandra has convinced his team of supervisors Dr Shannon Rutherford, Dr Ed Morgan, and Dr Thanya Pathirana to carry out research focused on improving heat action policies and public healthcare systems in AP.
"We have selected AP for research as temperatures in the state record as high as 45 degrees Celsius in summers. Extending summer durations stretching several months in a year. The conditions are extremely hot almost 6 months in a year. Heat related mortality is among the highest according to India's national records. Extreme heat does not just result in high number of sunstroke cases, but it is a leading factor for several chronic and sudden health ailments," observed Sarath Chandra.
He said that the state also has highest levels of humidity due to its coastal influence making conditions more vulnerable.
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