At the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) stressed the urgent need to prioritize vulnerable populations in policies addressing the health impacts of climate change. The conference, held from November 11 to 22 in Baku, Azerbaijan, brought global leaders together to address the intersection of health and climate issues.

Gerry Eijkemans, Director of PAHO's Department of Social and Environmental Determinants for Health Equity, highlighted the critical lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasized that failing to focus on populations in situations of vulnerability exacerbates health inequities, particularly in the context of climate change. Eijkemans stressed the importance of addressing the conditions that make people more susceptible to climate-related health risks, warning that ignoring these issues would leave many behind.

To confront these challenges, PAHO’s 61st Directing Council adopted a landmark policy in October 2024 aimed at strengthening the health sector’s role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. This policy focuses on bolstering health systems to better withstand climate impacts, improving surveillance systems for climate-sensitive diseases, enhancing financial resources for climate and health initiatives, and ensuring that vulnerable communities have a voice in shaping solutions.

The Americas, one of the regions most affected by climate change, is experiencing the devastating consequences of extreme weather events, fragile economies tied to climate-sensitive industries, and pervasive social inequalities. Hurricanes and floods have damaged healthcare infrastructure, severely disrupting services in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Meanwhile, the region has witnessed a sharp rise in heat-related deaths, which have increased by 160% over the past two decades, and the expansion of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria due to rising temperatures. Alarmingly, 2024 has already surpassed the record-breaking 4.6 million dengue cases reported in the Americas in 2023.

In response to these mounting threats, PAHO has developed a Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change. This initiative, crafted in collaboration with Caribbean Member States and territories, is part of the World Health Organization’s broader effort to address climate change and health in SIDS. The plan emphasizes the need to empower health leadership, enhance understanding of climate-related health risks, build climate-resilient health systems, and mobilize increased funding to support these efforts.

Speaking at COP29, Eijkemans underscored the urgency of integrating health equity into climate policies, emphasizing the interconnected nature of climate change and health. She urged global leaders to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against climate-related health challenges, calling for greater collaboration and innovative solutions.

As the Americas face escalating climate challenges, PAHO’s focus on equity serves as a critical reminder that inclusive, evidence-based strategies are essential to safeguarding public health and fostering resilience in the region. By addressing the needs of those most vulnerable, the organization aims to bridge the gap between health and climate action for a sustainable and equitable future.