Second National Communications 50 y = -8.2072x2 + 201.09x + 617.94 R² = 0.9982 5.5 Conclusion and Recommendations Inequalities in health abound in all sectors of society. The Philippines as a developing country is in the midst of those health inequalities. Improving the social determinants of health will prove to be keys in attempting to bridge those inequalities. Climate change, while new to us is slowly being recognized as a determinant for health. Its impacts on the population are slowly starting to be understood. It is now seen as one which may outstrip all the health and development gains if not acted upon. It is good that we are developing the tools to understand what climate change is and how it may impact on health. The use of science becomes a strength we can armor ourselves with. As the quantitative studies show the significance of results using scientific methods, it will arm us with deeper, robust information for our advocacy. While it does this, we should always consider and start to quantify the host of other factors (epidemiologic triad) which will contribute to the complexity that is health and climate change. As we go and start with learning our first steps, it is then to our advantage to consider how to adapt to these changes while we establish the linkage between climate change and health. We know that institutionalization of adaptation mechanisms takes quite some time. The importance of policy and political will cannot but be overemphasized for they will help drive the process forward. Our scientific evidence will feed into them so that adaptation mechanisms can be designed appropriately. Baselines should be ensured, and installing the Philippine Integrated Disease surveillance response is a cornerstone in that evidenced-based data gathering. As the science of climate change moves forward, we should not forget to look at the practical ways at how we can adapt to the health impacts: wash hands, no overexposure to the sun, good hygiene are some practical steps. Be aware of the next typhoon entering the Philippine area of responsibility. It may cause flooding, avoid wading in flooded streets as much as possible. There are no known points of irreversibility in health as regards impacts for climate change, moving from awareness to action now is still the best adaptation mechanism. (You can email me at glennroymd@gmail.com)