Constituency Statement on 18.3, from IFSCS Ltd, ICM, WFSA, WFNMB, ILDS, WGH, WAi, IAHPC, WFNS, ICS, FIGO, ISR:

Climate change is a most urgent global health threat, as highlighted in the 2025 WEF Global Risk Report. It is actively reshaping the global burden of disease (WHA 77.14), with increased vector-borne infectious and air pollution-related diseases, heat-related maternal mortality and morbidity, preterm and stillbirth, disaster related trauma and a rise in UV-related skin cancers, infectious and inflammatory skin conditions. Added are the risks of extreme weather events, food- and water insecurity, proxy wars and mass migration, with disruption to social stability and development.
Low-emitting nations (e.g. Island States, the Sahel) bear the brunt while mitigation and adaptation measures are surpassed by climate change acceleration (WHA 77.14).
Surge capacity is required during climate-related emergencies and depends on integrated surgical, obstetric-gynaecological, trauma, anaesthesia and palliative care services, especially at first-level hospitals, with adequate essential equipment and medicines, including opioids.
We therefore request the WHO and Member States to:
1.Reaffirm their commitment to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk 2.Reduction and to climate resilient systems.
3.Implement climate smart operative care, including elimination of desflurane and piped nitrous oxide, more regional and intravenous anaesthesia, waste reduction and energy efficiency.
4.Promote continuity in maternity care to keep C-section rates at 10-15%.
5.Ensure access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in climate emergencies.
6.Ensure adequate financing for health system adaptation and mitigation.