We commend the WHO’s focus on climate change and health and the development of a clear action plan that brings together the WHO Secretariat, member states, and stakeholders. Recognizing the interconnectedness of health and climate change through the draft action plan is critical to ensure that climate challenges are mitigated, addressed and appropriately financed, while safeguarding access to health products and care. The healthcare industry has a key role to play, in collaborative initiatives and in innovation protecting public health.

We support the proposed three action areas and encourage WHO to coordinate with expert groups and leverage existing data, mechanisms, and metrics, where relevant. Pharmaceutical, biotech and other healthcare companies, including formal members of WHO ATACH, have a track record of investing in R&D for sustainable products, manufacturing, and supply chains and setting ambitious net-zero and carbon neutrality targets. We stand ready to support WHO ATACH and member states to lessen the environmental impact of health systems while balancing the needs to patients and healthcare providers, by ensuring access to safe, quality, and efficacious medicines, vaccines and technologies.

Furthermore, climate change does not exist in a vacuum but is linked to other sustainability topics that affect human health, chemicals regulation, sustainable energy use, waste reduction and biodiversity. Addressing these topics together will be important to ensure aligned and implementable policies. WHO has a role to play to ensure alignment across these global efforts while maintaining health outcomes as a clear guiding objective.

In support of WHO ATACH, we look forward to engaging in the Global Action Plan by leveraging our sectors’ technical expertise and continued investment in lifesaving technologies. We are also committed to working with WHO on pressing environmental issues to advance a healthier and more sustainable future.