What's Happening?
The World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA) is urging global leaders at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, to prioritize health professionals in implementing the Belém Health Action Plan. The alliance represents
over 41 million healthcare professionals worldwide and emphasizes the need for climate-smart health systems. WHPA commends the COP30 Presidency and WHO for developing the plan, which focuses on strengthening the health workforce as a cornerstone of global health resilience. The plan aims to address climate-related health challenges and promote equity and social participation.
Why It's Important?
The call for workforce-centered climate action highlights the critical role of health professionals in safeguarding patient safety and ensuring the sustainability of health systems. By investing in the health workforce, countries can better prepare for climate change impacts and protect the wellbeing of healthcare workers. The Belém Health Action Plan serves as a strategic framework for building climate-resilient health systems, emphasizing adaptation, equity, and climate justice. This approach is essential for addressing the unequal impacts of climate change on health.
What's Next?
WHPA encourages WHO and COP30 Presidency to engage health professionals in developing and implementing the Belém Health Action Plan. The alliance is ready to support translating the plan into national action, offering expertise and networks of its member organizations. Governments are urged to invest in the health workforce and integrate climate health considerations across policies to ensure health systems are prepared for climate change realities.
Beyond the Headlines
The emphasis on health professionals in climate action reflects a growing recognition of health as central to climate negotiations. The Belém Health Action Plan incorporates principles of climate justice and health equity, acknowledging the need for targeted responses to climate change impacts. Indigenous knowledge and participation are highlighted as key components of strategic solutions, underscoring the importance of inclusive approaches to climate resilience.
