First REACH project consortium meeting on developing climate-related health systems strategies for Brazil and Zambia

The REACH project, led by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in collaboration with IIASA, Lund University, University of Brasilia, FIOCRUZ and University of Zambia and supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), is holding its first consortium meeting in Brasília. This four year research project aims to understand the vulnerabilities and sources of resilience of maternal and child health systems to floods and heat in Zambia and Brazil and to identify, evaluate and cost strategies to enhance climate resilience.  

Researchers from all partners are currently gathered to present on the work so far, which involves understanding the relationship between floods and heat extremes on access to maternal and child health care. The meeting is also planning the next steps for the research, which involves qualitative research methods, constructing causal loop diagrams, and building a hybrid agent-based and system dynamic model to support local-level decision making. 

The project team will also introduce the project to policy stakeholders in Brazil and Zambia this week, and plan furture stakeholder engagement activities ensuring their involvement in shaping resilient health systems.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to advance this vital work, striving to protect the health of mothers and children against escalating climate threats.