The COP28 Presidency introduced the ‘COP28 Statement on Climate and Health’ in line with its dedication to prioritizing health within the climate agenda. This declaration was officially unveiled during the World Health Summit in Berlin, with an appeal to governments worldwide to support and adopt it.
The Declaration encompasses various aspects, such as promoting cooperation between different sectors in addressing climate and health, minimizing emissions within the healthcare industry, and augmenting both the quantity and the ratio of climate funding allocated to healthcare.
COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber emphasized, “The connection between climate change and health is growing more apparent by the day, with rising temperatures leading to the surge of diseases like malaria and global impacts from extreme weather events.”
“The global community needs to take immediate action by placing health at the forefront of climate-related efforts, or else we risk witnessing the strain on healthcare systems worldwide. With the ‘Declaration on Climate and Health,’ our goal is to support the development of public health systems that are resilient to climate challenges, sustainable, and just. We implore all nations to show their support for this initiative.”
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The Declaration was crafted in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and received backing from various ‘country champions,’ including Brazil, Malawi, the UK, the US, the Netherlands, Kenya, Fiji, India, Egypt, Sierra Leone, and Germany. Additionally, Kenya, Fiji, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Malawi have been recognized as “early endorsers” of the Declaration.
Regarding the launch of the COP28 Declaration on Health and Climate, the Minister of Health for Malawi, Hon Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda MP, remarked, “Malawi’s healthcare system has been facing considerable challenges due to the effects of climate change on health. What we require is more robust and well-coordinated political initiatives, as well as enhanced financial support.”
“Malawi fully supports the Declaration on Climate and Health and encourages other nations to participate. It is crucial for countries to unite and advocate with a unified voice on this critical matter.”
Representing Fiji, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon Dr. Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, stated: “Fiji, like all Small Island Developing States (SIDS), experiences the daily devastation of climate change in our households, communities, and health.”
“Words and good ideas alone cannot mitigate these impacts; only resolute actions can. We are actively incorporating resilience into our infrastructure, healthcare system, and our way of life.”
“We insist on a concerted effort to reduce environmental pollutants that are driving global temperature increases, raising sea levels along our shores, and intensifying cyclones in our region. Waiting is not a viable option; immediate action is imperative!”
The World Health Summit, which took place from October 15th to 17th, was held with the theme “A Defining Year for Global Health Action,” and it brought together various stakeholders from politics, science, the private sector, and civil society to establish the global health agenda.
