The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new report: Safe, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health care facilities: an overview . This publication provides policymakers, health administrators, facility managers and health practitioners with guidance on what is needed to develop safe, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable healthcare facilities to provide quality care and withstand the environmental crises. As the global environmental crises – including climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss – worsen, health systems and facilities must urgently respond to avoid being overwhelmed by the growing challenges and disruptions.
Healthcare facilities are a cornerstone of any health system and critical for achieving universal health coverage (UHC) , ensuring the continuous availability of services for acute and complex conditions. To deliver high quality care, these facilities must have functional basic infrastructure, including safe and reliable supplies of electricity, water, sanitation and hygiene, cleaning and waste management services, sound management of chemicals and radiation, and a sufficiently trained, supported and protected health workforce.
Healthcare facilities are directly impacted by the ongoing climate crisis and play a critical role in managing its health effects on populations. They must be climate resilient to remain operational and environmentally sustainable, optimizing resources and reducing emissions and pollutants.
Climate change will continue to exacerbate disease burdens and intensify climate-related stressors such as extreme weather events. Despite their crucial role in protecting health from climate change, many health care facilities remain ill equipped to effectively manage these environmental risks, which pose significant obstacles to achieving universal health coverage.
This overview is crucial as it introduces the elements of safe, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable healthcare facilities, providing actionable guidance and further resources for achieving them. Working towards these goals is essential for attaining the Sustainable Development Goals and the strategic objectives outlined in WHO's Fourteenth General Programme of Work.
