On the first-ever Health Day at a COP, more than 40 million health professionals from around the globe have joined the call to action by the World Health Organization (WHO) and civil society organizations, to prioritize health in climate negotiations at COP28, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
According to the Health Body stated that International Council of Nurses (representing 30 million members) and the World Medical Association (with membership of 10 million physicians) pledged their support, along with thousands of health professionals worldwide who have actively signed WHO’s call to action on health and climate change.
The year 2023 has witnessed an alarming surge in climate-related disasters, including wildfires, heatwaves and droughts, leading to the displacement of populations, agricultural losses and heightened air pollution. The ongoing climate crisis has significantly increased the risk of life-threatening diseases such as cholera, malaria and dengue.
Climate inaction is costing lives and impacting health every single day. Health workers demand an immediate and bold action to phase out fossil fuels, transition to clean energy, build resilience and to support people and communities most vulnerable to impacts of the changing climate. They press for no more delays, no more excuses; urging action and justice now, for a healthy future for all.
Director-General, World Health Organization, Dr Tedro Ghebreyesus said, “In the face of the urgent challenges posed by health and climate change, health professionals stand united in every effort to improve the health outcomes and address the climate crises. This inspires us all to contribute to healthier, more resilient world for generations to come.”
It was noted that WHO and the over 40 million health professionals demand call on governments to meet the commitments they have already made, deliver on the Paris Agreement, accelerate the phasing out of fossil fuels and to raise their ambition for a healthier, fairer and greener future for humanity.
Strong and resilient health systems are indispensable to protecting the population from the negative impacts of climate change on their health. Building climate-resilient, low-carbon health systems as protection for current and future lives must be seen as one of the priorities in local, national and global climate action and financing.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministers from around the world endorsed the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health, supported by 120 countries which highlighted severe health implications of climate change, emphasized the critical role of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.
Adding that it also underscore the urgent need to work in collaboration to confront the connections between climate change and health which reflects a shared understanding of the urgency of climate action for health and raises hope of a greater global commitment to a healthier and more resilient future for all.
It said further that commitment to a healthier planet requires a commitment to financing mechanisms that support climate-resilient health systems and sustainable initiatives. It is critical to discuss the urgency of action but also ensure that financial commitments match the scale of the challenge.
Currently receiving a mere 0.5% of global climate financing, the health sector demands a substantial increase in resources. Boosting financial support is not just warranted but essential to effectively tackle ongoing health crises and an evolving global health landscape.
With the health sector facing unprecedented challenges, urgent action is needed to bridge stark financial gap. By multiplying funding, we strengthen the sector’s capacity to innovate, adapt and deliver optimal care, ensuring a resilient healthcare infrastructure for today’s challenges and the uncertainties of tomorrow.
WHO welcomed the efforts of the COP28 Presidency to highlight the health emergency and provide a high-level platform for climate and health at this conference, including though the inaugural Health Day, and climate and health ministerial and also dedicated to working alongside partners and donors to ensure effective implementation of priorities outlined in the declaration.