29
Jan

Planetary health is an emerging interdisciplinary field that explores the complex and interdependent relationship between human health and the health of our planet. It emphasizes the necessity of preserving the natural systems that underpin human well-being and highlights the urgent need to address the environmental and social determinants of health in an era marked by unprecedented biophysical changes, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation.

In tandem with planetary health, the concept of sustainable healthcare is gaining prominence. Sustainable healthcare ensures that the health needs of the current population are met without compromising the environmental, economic, or social resources necessary for future generations. This approach emphasizes a balanced integration of three key dimensions of sustainability: environmental, economic, and social, often referred to as the "three pillars of sustainability."

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines an environmentally sustainable healthcare system as one that improves, maintains, or restores health while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and leveraging opportunities to restore and improve it. This approach benefits the health and well-being of current and future generations, aligning closely with the principles of planetary health.
 

The integration of planetary health and sustainable healthcare into education is critical to addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by environmental degradation and unsustainable healthcare practices. Sustainable healthcare reframes medical practice and the health sector to address human health in the context of planetary health, recognizing that earth systems and human health are reciprocally related. "It acknowledges all dimensions of sustainability: environmental, economic, and social, by delivering healthcare that does not harm the environment, is economical, and has a positive social impact.

As outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, there is an increasing recognition of the need to adopt holistic approaches that consider the interdependencies between human and environmental health.

In Southeast Asia, rapid economic growth has often come at the expense of environmental sustainability, leading to significant public health challenges. These include increased air and water pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and the emergence of zoonotic diseases, which disproportionately affect vulnerable population. The conference seeks to address these issues by equipping educators and healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to integrate planetary health and sustainable healthcare into their teaching and practice, ultimately contributing to the resilience and sustainability of health systems.