Component 8: Climate-informed health programmes

The health sector, In coordination with other actors, is also often directly responsible for programmes that address climate-sensitive health risks (such as vector-borne and waterborne diseases, mental health, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, maternal and newborn health, nutrition), preparedness and response to extreme weather and environmental events, as well as other crises. 

Health programming and operations should increasingly be designed and implemented considering current and projected climate change, as these factors influence the geographical distribution, timing, frequency and intensity of climate-sensitive diseases. Existing efforts in emergencies and disaster risk reduction, public health preparedness, food security and nutrition, infectious disease monitoring, and other climate-sensitive health programmes can be made climate-resilient by using current and projected future climate conditions to assess risks against identify capacity gaps and inform policy, strategic investment and planning decisions. Assessments should consider how health programmes are impacted by climate change now and in the future; how to better prepare and respond; to what extent the health programme contributes to GHG emissions directly or indirectly; and how their operations may also release environmental contaminants. 

For more information on the objectives, example interventions for different health outcomes and climate related hazards, as well as example outputs and indicators, see the WHO Operational Framework for building climate-resilient and low carbon health systems (under resources).