Public Health Center Capacity in Managing The Risk of Climate Change. A Case Study in The City of Padang, Indonesia

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: Indonesia already has a regulation regarding capacity of public health sector to deal with climate change issue to overcome the adverse effects on health. This regulation is based on Indonesia's vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather. Despite having commitments and regulations about this issue, implementation of this policy is still not maximal in line with government expectations. Thus, the purpose of this study is to identify capacity of the health sector to be actively involved in minimizing the risks of climate change in Public Health Center (PHC) as the first level of health service for community. Method: This research is carried out to nine informants at three PHCs in the city of Padang. The study is conducted with a qualitative approach by reviewing the capacity of PHCs which regards to perception of climate change, health services provision for climate-based diseases, institution management, surveillance and early warning systems, and intersectoral coordination in managing climate change. Results: The results show that almost all informants in PHCs do not understand climate change issues correctly and do not have specific planning documents about climate change. Almost all PHCs do not utilize climate data that available from relevant stakeholders to predict climate-based diseases. Conclusion: The government is expected to apply existing climate change regulations in regional level so that PHCs can work through promotive and preventive approaches to address health problems caused by climate change.