On 27 May, the World Health Assembly (WHA) – the decision making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), attended by delegates from member states – approved the WHO Action Plan on Climate Change and Health, after hours of debate and resistance from oil-rich countries that sought to delay the plan’s adoption. The 78th Session of the WHA was chaired by Philippines’ Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, marking the country’s first time presiding over the WHA.   

The health of the planet is inextricably linked to the health of those living on it. However, there has been a strong disconnect between climate change policy and health, with less than 1% of climate finance directed towards health protection measures. Even as vulnerable countries bear the brunt of climate impacts, healthcare systems in these countries are ill equipped to cope with rising health concerns linked to climate change. 

The Draft Global Action Plan on Climate Change and Health provides a framework for the development of climate-resilient, low-carbon health systems, building upon the outcomes of COP29 and the WHO Executive Board Meeting held in February. The plan prioritises enhancing surveillance systems and early warning signs while integrating health into climate change policy and climate finance. 

The plan faced opposition by a Saudi-led coalition, backed by Russia and other oil-rich countries, which sought to delay the adoption of the plan. African and European countries, however, successfully argued for the plan’s immediate adoption, noting that health must be positioned as a driver for ambitious climate action by improving food security measures, building resilient healthcare systems, and increasing awareness on the health impacts of climate change. 

“When we entered this Assembly, we were confronted with a myriad of uncertainties. However, this Assembly has reaffirmed the central role of the World Health Organization in overseeing global health, while highlighting the urgent need to reform, adapt, and finance a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient global health architecture. And today, we are ending with profound hope and renewed zeal,” Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in his closing statement.  

The newly adopted plan outlines ways to align climate goals with improved healthcare: 

• The first component of the plan outlines the need to elevate health within national and international climate agendas. It calls on the global health community to contribute to achieving climate mitigation and adaptation targets, which help drive improved long-term health outcomes.
• The plan calls for robust scientific research which focuses on identifying evidence gaps that are most relevant to policy-making. It seeks to build capacity at the national level to monitor the progress on health and climate targets, helping track progress while adapting plans for the future.
• The plan calls for climate-resilient, low-carbon and sustainable healthcare facilities, and expanding access to finance. It encourages the periodic assessment of climate-induced health risks in order to strengthen the ability of healthcare systems to cope with the rising health risks. 

Vulnerable countries are already facing climate-induced health risks that they are not adequately prepared for, such as the rise of vector-borne diseases, heat stress and food insecurity. Given that health outcomes are closely tied with climate impacts, the CVF-V20 welcomes the Action Plan, as this marks a step forward in cross-sectoral cooperation in climate policy discussions.