Impact on Health

By addressing health risks through a combination of preventive and responsive measures, Mauritius can better protect its population from the adverse health effects of climate change and ensure a resilient public health system.

To effectively address the health impacts of climate change and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2030, the government, in collaboration with relevant entities, has initiated several measures to strengthen the resilience of health systems. These efforts are designed to enhance preparedness for the anticipated increase in disease burdens due to climate-sensitive conditions such as vector-borne diseases, respiratory and diarrheal diseases, and the health consequences of extreme weather events. Here's a structured overview of the strategies and actions taken:

Overview of Initiatives

• Objective: Strengthen climate-resilient health systems to cope with the increasing prevalence of climate-sensitive diseases.
• Alignment with SDG 2030: These actions are aligned with the global agenda to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Historical Context and System Resilience

• Previous Epidemics as Examples: The resilience of health systems has been previously tested during significant outbreaks, like chikungunya in Mauritius in 2006, demonstrating the need for robust health systems.

Health Services Response to Emergencies

• 24-Hour Emergency Watch:
  • Implemented by five regional hospitals and the SAMU Emergency Service to manage health emergencies from cyclones and floods.
  • SAMU ambulances, equipped and staffed by trained emergency personnel, are ready to provide urgent care and hospital transfers.
• Reinforced Response to Epidemics:
  • Development of contingency plans to handle increased hospital surge capacities and isolation needs.
  • Upgrades at Souillac Hospital include new isolation facilities and training programs for managing highly contagious diseases.
  • Comprehensive emergency plans across all regional hospitals to address the impact of cyclones, tsunamis, and other disasters.

Vector Surveillance and Control Program

• Year-Round Operations:
  • Continuous vector surveillance and control activities, integrating environmental management to reduce breeding sites and using environmentally friendly pyrethroids as larvicides.
• Structural Setup:
  • Establishment of a monitoring unit at the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life for ongoing vector surveillance.
  • Formation of Regional Integrated Vector Management (IVM) Inter-sectoral committees, which are mobilized during outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases.

These structured initiatives demonstrate a comprehensive approach to enhancing health system resilience in the face of evolving climate challenges, ensuring that Mauritius is better prepared to protect its population from the health impacts of climate change.

Human Health

1. Determinants of Health Impact

The effects of climate change on human health are shaped by various factors, including:

• Geography: The small landmass of Mauritius limits relocation options for vulnerable populations, exacerbating health risks.
• Governance and Health Infrastructure: The ability to respond to health challenges depends on the strength of governance and healthcare systems.
• Socio-Demographic Profiles: Population characteristics, such as age and income, affect how different groups experience health consequences.

These factors lead to uneven health impacts, with some regions and populations in Mauritius being more vulnerable than others.

2. Projected Health Vulnerabilities

The health sector in Mauritius is expected to face significant challenges due to climate change, including:

• Rising Disease Burden: Both communicable and non-communicable diseases are likely to increase.
• Communicable Diseases: Climate change could lead to a higher incidence of infectious diseases, posing new public health threats.
• Non-Communicable Diseases: Conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, strokes, renal diseases, and injuries are expected to worsen over the years. This will be further compounded by challenges related to nutrition and food security.

3. Socio-Economic Impacts

The rising health challenges due to climate change will likely:

• Increase Health Costs: Higher health expenditures for both the government and individuals.
• Affect Socio-Economic Development: The growing disease burden could hinder economic growth by reducing workforce productivity and increasing healthcare costs.

4. Government Response and Strategic Initiatives

In response to these risks, the Government of Mauritius (GoM), in collaboration with stakeholders, is committed to implementing policies to reduce the health sector’s vulnerability to climate change. Key measures include:

• Reducing Morbidity and Mortality: Policies and initiatives aim to lower disease incidence and death rates linked to climate change.
• Economic Benefits: These actions are expected to reduce health-related expenses, such as healthcare costs, private insurance premiums, and out-of-pocket expenses for vulnerable populations.
• Enhancing Public Health: Long-term strategies aim to improve life expectancy and overall health, contributing to economic growth and social stability.

5. Alignment with National and Global Goals

The government’s efforts to strengthen the resilience of the health sector align with national objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a target to achieve key SDG indicators by 2030. By focusing on climate change adaptation and public health, Mauritius is working toward a healthier population and more stable socio-economic conditions.

Ecosystem Health and Coastal Conservation in Mauritius

1. Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Zones

Over the past decade, the effects of climate change on Mauritius' coastal zones have intensified, leading to accelerated negative changes and a growing number of vulnerable sites. In response, the Government of Mauritius, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), developed a Coastal Conservation Plan under the project for Capacity Development on Coastal Development and Rehabilitation, initiated in June 2015. This plan identified 14 out of 20 coastal areas as priorities for conservation, aiming to preserve the vitality, aesthetics, and ecological functionality of these ecosystems.

2. Importance of Mangroves

Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal protection and carbon sequestration:

• Carbon Sequestration: Mangroves sequester carbon nearly five times more effectively than terrestrial forests, making them vital for mitigating climate change.
• Coastal Protection: They act as natural barriers against heavy waves and help prevent beach erosion.

Recognizing their importance, the Technical Needs Assessment Report by the Government of Mauritius in 2012 identified vegetation restoration, particularly mangrove propagation, as a key priority for coastal protection.

3. Mangrove Propagation Programme

In response to the need for coastal protection, the Government of Mauritius launched the Mangrove Propagation Programme in 1995, aimed at:

• Rehabilitating Denuded Areas: Efforts focused on restoring areas where mangroves had been lost.
• Raising Public Awareness: The program also sought to educate the public about the importance of mangroves for ecosystem health.

Between 1995 and 2004, approximately 384,700 mangrove seedlings were successfully planted along the coastal strip.

4. Recovery of Mangrove Coverage

By 1980, mangrove coverage in Mauritius had dwindled to just 45 hectares. However, through restoration efforts, including participation from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and financial support from the private sector and international agencies, the mangrove ecosystem is under active recovery.

• Mangrove Species: The dominant species in Mauritius is Rhizophora mucronata, accounting for 95% of the mangrove area. The remainder is comprised of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, a less common species.

5. Significance for Ecosystem Health

These mangrove restoration efforts are critical for safeguarding the health of coastal ecosystems in Mauritius. Mangroves help maintain the ecological balance and protect the coast from the ongoing threats posed by climate change, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience of the coastal environment.