outline
During COP30, Brazil unveiled the Belém Health Action Plan, marking the first international climate adaptation framework specifically dedicated to the health sector. The plan provides a comprehensive set of actions to help countries strengthen their health systems in response to the growing and visible impacts of climate change, which disproportionately affect the most vulnerable communities.
main goal
Strengthen the health sector’s adaptation and resilience to climate change by advancing integrated surveillance and monitoring systems, accelerating capacity building, promoting evidence-based policy implementation, and promoting innovation and sustainable production. The plan takes into account the diverse needs of global health systems and national contexts and recognizes the importance of cross-sector collaboration to accelerate mitigation efforts that create health co-benefits.
The plan’s global goals
The global objective of this initiative is to integrate BHAP into UNFCCC progress reporting under the Global Stocktake and other relevant mechanisms. During the next global inventory by COP33 (2028), all accredited parties will be invited to report on their progress in implementing the measures outlined in the Belém Health Action Plan, aligned with GGA indicators and other nationally appropriate indicators.
intersection principle
- Strengthening health equity and the concept of ‘climate justice’
- Climate and health leadership and governance through social participation
Action lines and proposed measures for adaptation and development of climate-resilient health systems.
Action item 1: Surveillance and monitoring
1.1. Improved climate-based health surveillance
1.2. Identify a priority list of climate-related risks and diseases.
1.3. Improving health risk management during climate events and emergencies
Line of action 2: Evidence-based policies, strategies and capacity building
2.1. Reconciling climate-health adaptation concepts
2.2. Promoting multi-sector policies through health public good
2.3. Integrating mental health into climate adaptation in the health sector.
2.4. Promote adaptation policies to support populations in vulnerable situations.
2.5. Protect and promote worker health in the context of climate change.
2.6. Strengthening the health workforce to address climate change
2.7. Promoting community resilience to climate change
Action Line 3: Innovation, Production, Digital Health
3.1. Strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure and services
3.2. Health sector adaptation policy evaluation and innovation
3.3. Promoting a just transition in health sector adaptation
3.4. Strengthening the Resilience of Healthcare Supply Chains
3.5. Strengthen strategic reserves and enhance equitable access to essential health products.
Download: Belém Health Action Plan for health sector adaptation to climate change
