Climate Change and Health (WHPA statement)
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World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA)
Statement to 78th
World Health Assembly (May 2025)
World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA)
C/o FDI World Dental Federation, Chemin de Joinville 26, 1216 Geneva, Switzerland
info@whpa.org – http://www.whpa.org/
Pillar 3: One billion more people enjoying better health and well-being
Climate change and health (item 18.3)
Honourable Chair, Distinguished Delegates,
I am speaking for the World Medical Association, member of the World Health Professions
Alliance, which represents 41 million dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physicians and
physiotherapists.
Climate change is a global health emergency that requires a strong health workforce to secure
everyone’s health now and in the future. Yet global health is facing major budget cuts and a
health workforce shortage. The focus must thus be on cost-effective measures and improving
resilience. We underscore the key health benefits of investing in climate change strategies,
such as improving air quality.
We welcome the Global Action Plan on Climate Change and Health and urge Member States
to prioritise measures to support adaptation and mitigation, and to involve health professionals
in the plan’s implementation.
Urgent action is needed, including the phasing out of fossil fuels, to reduce the health burden
of climate-related diseases and protect future generations.
Thank you