The 78th World Health Assembly adopted the World Health Organization’s first global action plan on climate change and health Tuesday — but only after intense debate, as geopolitical divisions overshadowed consensus.
Member states asked WHO to develop the global action plan on climate change and health in a decision at last year’s assembly. The plan identifies global targets, objectives, and proposed actions for WHO, its member states, and other organizations to address the health impacts of climate change and build climate-resilient health systems.
While many countries urged swift action in light of record-breaking global temperatures, others pushed back, citing a lack of consultation and concerns over contested language in the plan.
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About the author
Jenny Lei Ravelo@JennyLeiRavelo
Jenny Lei Ravelo is a Devex Senior Reporter based in Manila. She covers global health, with a particular focus on the World Health Organization, and other development and humanitarian aid trends in Asia Pacific. Prior to Devex, she wrote for ABS-CBN, one of the largest broadcasting networks in the Philippines, and was a copy editor for various international scientific journals. She received her journalism degree from the University of Santo Tomas.
