As part of its participation at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28, the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), which is dedicated to strengthening the public health and preventive health system in the Emirate, has launched its first Sustainability Report for 2022, which comes as a part of the Centre’s “Sustainability Plan” which seeks to manage its sustainability efforts. The newly launched plan includes a comprehensive framework, an exhaustive risk and operating model, and a sustainability report that follows specific indicators.
The report indicates a 33% decrease in direct carbon emissions and a 19% decrease in indirect carbon emissions between 2021 and 2022, which comes as a result of adopting innovative energy-saving methods. Additionally, ADPHC has eliminated its consumption of single-use plastic, which has resulted in a notable reduction in waste generated. The Centre was also able to reduce water consumption per employee from 302 m3 in 2021 to just 51 m3 in 2022.
ADPHC’s “Sustainability Plan” focuses on three main pillars, which are: eco-friendly operations, a healthy population, and governance frameworks that adhere to business ethics and values. The report also included the Centre’s efforts in ensuring the sustainability of its operations and decision-making and proactive risk management and information security. This includes developing plans and strategies to upskill the workforce’s capabilities and increase Emiratisation rates and employee satisfaction, in addition to developing green procurement processes, supply chains, and other operational procedures.
The objective of the plan is to offer a thorough assessment of sustainability management protocols within public health services. It aims to establish a framework that seamlessly incorporates sustainability principles into the Centre’s diverse operations, aligning them with both national and global sustainability commitments. This plan facilitates the establishment of sustainability objectives and corresponding guidelines, fostering the development of responsible and sustainable policies. Consequently, it addresses challenges related to environmental, social, and governance aspects, contributing positively to the health and safety of community members.
In adherence to the sustainability policy, ADPHC will introduce an annual sustainability report that transparently outlines its performance based on specific indicators, in order to persistently attain sustainability goals while improving means of collaboration with partners and stakeholders.
On this occasion, H.E. Matar Saeed Rashed Al Nuaimi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) said: “Introducing ADPHC’s sustainability report is a significant step towards highlighting our commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, social impact, and ethical practices, as it showcases our efforts to create a positive influence on the present and future of humanity. In line with its ambition to be a place where everyone can be at their healthiest, physically and mentally, at all times, Abu Dhabi recognises the correlation between climate change and health, and believes that climate change is one of the biggest global challenges today. Therefore, we are taking serious steps towards establishing a future-proof healthcare sector, capable of adapting to changes, and prepared for emergencies. These efforts further cement Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for healthcare globally.”
H.E. Dr. Farida Al Hosani –Executive Director of the Communicable Diseases Department at the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) stated: “Through this initiative, we look forward to furthering our contribution to national and global initiatives focused on steering towards the right path and taking tangible strides in climate action. This aligns with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH)’s introduction of the sector’s sustainability goals in the Emirate. Our objective is to proactively pave the way for a net-zero healthcare sector, minimising the sector's impact on climate change and securing a more promising future for upcoming generations.”
DoH and ADPHC’s participation aligns with their commitment to highlight the intersection between climate change and public health. The climate crisis is directly linked to a range of health issues, thus impacting the well-being of today's population and posing a threat to the future of upcoming generations.
COP28 serves as a platform for leaders and experts from around the world to discuss and address critical issues related to climate change, taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, 2023. DoH and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) are inviting guests to visit their booth to explore their projects and activations. Visit booth number 59, located in the Green Zone, within the Technology & Innovation Hub.
To know more about DoH and ADPHC’s participation at COP28, visit: https://www.doh.gov.ae/en/cop28