Protecting health from climate change: a seven-country initiative
Overview
This publication presents the results of a seven-country initiative of the WHO Regional Office for Europe aimed to protect health from climate change through addressing adaptation, strengthening health systems and building institutional capacity in Albania, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Uzbekistan. This project is part of the International Climate Initiative (ICI). The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) supports this initiative based on a decision adopted by the German Bundestag.
The overall aim of the pilot initiative was to protect health from climate change through strengthening
health systems. It was planned to achieve this by building capacity in assessing vulnerability, impacts and
adaptive capacity in each country. In turn, this would form the basis for developing a national health
adaptation strategy or action plan; carrying out awareness raising activities; and facilitating the sharing
of knowledge and experiences. In addition, pilot activities specific to each country aimed to address
current climate change vulnerability. These included strengthening preparedness and response for
extreme weather events; increasing surveillance and response for climate-sensitive infectious diseases;
developing water safety plans; reducing the risk for respiratory diseases; fostering innovation in energy
efficiency and use of renewable energy for health services; and air quality monitoring.
Read More
- Heatwaves and Health: guidance on warning system development
- Heat Health Action Plans
- WHO Operational Framework for building climate-resilient health systems