Dymphna shared an uplifting story that showed progress was possible – how a group of women in Nigeria gave birth to healthier babies after switching from wood and kerosene cookstoves to cleaner ethanol-burning alternatives. “These are life-changing outcomes that can help transform a child’s future,” she said.
Health professionals have big role to play
Dr Neira urged health workers to look beyond treating patients and call for political change. “For years they have been keeping doctors inside hospitals. But they need us outside. We need to get out of our hospitals and get influencing. We can’t just keep treating the cases generated by the lack of clean energy. The World Health Organisation is talking very seriously and strongly on that.”
She said solutions to many problems would need to come from the private sector, but gave a stark warning about the need for action. “Fossil fuels kill. We need to accelerate the transition.”