What's Happening?
The World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA) is urging global leaders at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil, to prioritize health professionals in the implementation of the Belém Health Action
Plan. This plan aims to create climate-resilient and sustainable health systems. WHPA, representing over 41 million healthcare professionals worldwide, emphasizes the need for climate-smart health systems led by health professionals to protect patients and caregivers. The Belém Health Action Plan, developed by Brazil's Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, focuses on surveillance, evidence-based policy strategies, and innovation in health technology production. The plan aims to integrate climate health considerations across all policies, ensuring health systems are prepared for climate change realities.
Why It's Important?
The emphasis on health professionals in climate action highlights the intersection of health and environmental sustainability. By focusing on the health workforce, the plan aims to address climate-related health challenges and ensure the safety and sustainability of health systems globally. This approach recognizes the critical role of health professionals in adapting to climate change impacts, such as changing disease patterns and increased demand for health services during extreme weather events. Investing in the health workforce is seen as essential for resilient healthcare systems, which are crucial for public health and safety in the face of climate emergencies.
What's Next?
The Belém Health Action Plan will be adopted during COP30 Health Day, with WHPA encouraging formal engagement of health professionals in its development and implementation. The plan seeks endorsement from various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and international organizations. Brazil intends to announce endorsements from Ministries of Health to advance the plan through national initiatives. The focus will be on limiting global temperature increases and addressing climate-related health emergencies. Innovative measures, such as adjusting hospital care during extreme heat, are being considered to adapt health services to climate realities.
Beyond the Headlines
The plan's emphasis on climate justice and health equity highlights the unequal impacts of climate change and the need for targeted responses. Indigenous leaders and representatives of Quilombola communities stress the importance of integrating their knowledge into strategic solutions. The plan aims to address land and water conflicts faced by these communities, recognizing their role in preserving biodiversity. The integration of climate health considerations across policies reflects a broader shift towards recognizing health as central to climate action.
