These days, we are in Geneva attending the World Health Assembly of the WHO. Member states are negotiating the adoption of a resolution on climate change and health. At Salud por Derecho, we welcome the effort to focus on a specific resolution addressing this issue, but we believe its content is insufficient. This is our statement.
On behalf of Salud por Derecho, we welcome the draft resolution on Climate Change and Health and its inclusion as a strategic priority in the 14th General Programme of Work of the World Health Organization (WHO). This is a crucial step in addressing one of the greatest threats to global health of our time.
However, there is still much work to be done. It is concerning that the resolution does not explicitly mention emissions from fossil fuels as the main cause of climate change and poor air quality, critical environmental determinants of health. Climate change threatens efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases and emerging infectious diseases with pandemic potential. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns increase cases of diseases such as malaria, dengue, and leishmaniasis, even in regions where they were not previously endemic. Pressure on health systems derived from climate change threatens Universal Health Coverage.
The most vulnerable people, especially in low- and middle-income countries, face the greatest risks. These nations, the least responsible for emissions, are the most affected. It is essential that this resolution and the actions of WHO, Member States, and the international community be guided by the principles of Just Transition and Climate Justice, ensuring climate measures are effective and equitable.
Despite the significant focus on emissions from health systems, it is crucial to emphasize the role of industry and transportation as major sources of emissions. Health should be at the center of all climate policies. International commitments must translate into decisive national and local actions, with strengthened cooperation with the Global South, including greater commitment to international financing to support mitigation and adaptation efforts.
We must not forget migrants and those displaced by climate change, who often lack access to healthcare in their destinations. Current migration policies result in serious violations of the right to health. Policies must be coherent and protect the right to health for everyone, without exception.
The significant impacts of climate change on health should be more than enough reason to adopt a zero-emissions agenda. Protecting global health demands ambitious and urgent action. We urge the World Health Assembly to adopt this resolution with the proposed improvements and to work collectively towards a healthier and more equitable future for all.
