India : The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for stronger integration of healthcare priorities into global climate policies as the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) opened in Antalya, Türkiye, on Monday with a dedicated Health Day focusing on the growing impact of environmental changes on human well being.
The special programme brings together health ministers, government representatives, climate experts, international organisations and civil society groups to examine how countries can protect populations from climate-related health risks while strengthening the resilience of their healthcare systems.
The initiative places particular emphasis on the relationship between climate change, air pollution, energy consumption, food security and public health. It also seeks to encourage governments to move beyond policy commitments and introduce practical measures that can protect vulnerable communities.
According to the WHO, climate change is already affecting human health through rising temperatures, extreme weather events, changing disease patterns and deteriorating environmental conditions. These developments are placing additional pressure on healthcare infrastructure, particularly in countries with limited resources.
The organisation estimates that approximately 3.5 billion people live in areas highly vulnerable to climate change. More than 90 per cent of deaths linked to climate-related disasters over the past two decades have occurred in developing countries, underlining the unequal distribution of environmental risks.
Air pollution remains another major concern. The WHO estimates that exposure to polluted air contributes to around seven million deaths globally each year. Pollution associated with the burning of fossil fuels is linked to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular conditions and other serious health complications.
The Health Day programme is designed to provide a platform for countries to discuss practical responses to these challenges. Four high-level panel discussions and a ministerial roundtable are scheduled to address different aspects of climate-sensitive healthcare.
The discussions cover climate-resilient health systems, digital technologies, access to climate-sensitive medical solutions, humanitarian assistance and financing mechanisms. The programme also aims to strengthen cooperation between health ministries, environmental authorities and financial institutions.
One of the central messages of the WHO is that healthcare systems must be prepared to respond to climate-related emergencies while continuing to provide essential medical services. Hospitals, clinics and primary healthcare facilities need adequate infrastructure, reliable energy supplies, trained personnel and emergency preparedness arrangements to operate during extreme weather events.
Heatwaves, floods, storms and other climate-related disasters can disrupt medical services and increase the demand for emergency treatment. Health facilities may face difficulties maintaining electricity, water supplies, medical equipment and essential medicines during such events.
In addition, extreme temperatures can increase the risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration and complications among people with existing medical conditions. Older adults, young children, outdoor workers and individuals with chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable.
Pregnant women and newborns are also among the groups facing increased health risks. Exposure to extreme heat during pregnancy has raised concerns regarding maternal health, pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes.
The WHO has highlighted the importance of incorporating these risks into national healthcare planning and ensuring that medical professionals are adequately prepared to identify and manage climate related conditions.
The conference also marks the launch of the Antalya Initiative for Health Resilience (AIR), a voluntary and non-binding programme introduced by the COP31 Presidency to encourage the exchange of practical knowledge and successful approaches among countries.
The initiative seeks to help governments translate scientific evidence and international experience into measurable policies and healthcare interventions. It will promote the sharing of case studies, peer learning and cooperation between countries working to strengthen their health systems against environmental challenges.
The WHO said the initiative would provide opportunities for governments to learn from existing programmes and adapt successful measures to their own national circumstances. The exchange of information is expected to support countries that face similar climate-related health challenges but have different levels of technical and financial capacity.
The organisation has also stressed the importance of climate financing in improving healthcare preparedness. Although scientific knowledge about effective interventions has increased, many countries continue to face difficulties implementing them because of limited funding and institutional capacity.
A WHO technical analysis published on November 4 highlighted the potential health and economic benefits of six priority climate-related interventions. According to the organisation, implementing these measures could prevent approximately 1.6 million deaths annually and generate around 24 US dollars in benefits for every dollar invested.
The findings underline the importance of treating climate-related healthcare investment as a long-term development priority rather than merely an additional public expenditure.
The WHO is encouraging governments to ensure that health considerations are included in national climate plans, financing arrangements and policy decisions. It has also called for better coordination between ministries responsible for health, environment, energy and finance.
Another important issue being discussed is the environmental footprint of healthcare facilities themselves. Hospitals require substantial amounts of electricity, water, medical supplies and transportation services. Building more sustainable facilities while maintaining quality medical care could help reduce emissions and improve long-term operational efficiency.
Climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure must also be capable of continuing operations during extreme weather conditions. This includes improving building design, protecting critical equipment, securing alternative energy supplies and developing emergency response procedures.
Digital health technologies are expected to play an increasingly important role in these efforts. Electronic health records, remote consultations, early-warning systems and digital surveillance platforms can help authorities identify emerging health threats and coordinate medical responses more effectively.
However, the successful introduction of these technologies will depend on reliable infrastructure, trained personnel, data protection and equitable access to digital services.
The conference is also focusing on the health consequences of environmental changes affecting food and agricultural systems. Climate-related disruptions can influence food production, nutritional availability and access to safe drinking water, creating additional challenges for public health authorities.
Food insecurity and malnutrition can increase vulnerability to infectious diseases and other medical conditions, particularly among children and low-income households. Strengthening food systems and protecting essential resources are therefore important components of climate-related health planning.
Humanitarian assistance is another major area of discussion, particularly for communities affected by extreme weather events, displacement and environmental emergencies. Health services must be capable of reaching people even when transport networks and local infrastructure are disrupted.
The WHO has called for stronger international cooperation to ensure that vulnerable populations receive timely medical assistance and that healthcare facilities remain functional during emergencies.
The Health Day at COP31 also builds on earlier international commitments to integrate health into climate negotiations. The organisation wants countries to accelerate implementation of existing agreements and establish clearer mechanisms for reporting progress.
The conference will continue with health-focused activities throughout its two-week programme. The WHO is scheduled to participate in more than 60 events at the COP31 Health Pavilion, alongside high-level discussions and technical sessions involving international partners.
November 10 will feature a dedicated day for the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH), bringing together participating countries and organisations to discuss practical measures for developing climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health systems.
The wider objective is to ensure that healthcare considerations remain part of discussions across all major climate-related policy areas rather than being treated as a separate subject.
The WHO believes that improving health outcomes can also strengthen public support for climate action because environmental protection directly influences the quality of life and well-being of communities.
Reducing fossil fuel pollution, improving access to clean energy, strengthening public transportation and developing healthier urban environments can deliver benefits beyond environmental protection.
These measures can contribute to cleaner air, lower exposure to harmful pollutants and reduced risks of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. They can also help countries build healthier communities while addressing the long-term consequences of climate change.
As COP31 begins, the WHO is urging governments to convert scientific findings into practical commitments supported by adequate financial resources. The organisation has emphasised that the success of climate-related health policies will depend on their implementation, monitoring and ability to reach populations most exposed to environmental risks.
The Antalya discussions are expected to provide an important opportunity for countries to strengthen international cooperation and place public health at the centre of climate decision-making.
With climate-related risks increasing across different regions, building resilient healthcare systems is becoming an essential part of protecting communities and ensuring continuity of medical services in the years ahead.