The World Health Organization (WHO) has released the 2024 updated version of the Compendium of WHO and other UN guidance on health and environment. This vital resource compiles proposed interventions for reducing disease from environmental risks and saving millions of lives worldwide.
The updated version of the Compendium covers all major topics of environment, climate change and health and features over 500 interventions and extended lists of the most relevant resources and materials. It provides decision makers, including governments, health authorities, and other stakeholders, with comprehensive evidence-based strategies to address a wide range of environmental health challenges. The outlined interventions cover critical areas such as air pollution, water and sanitation, chemicals, climate change, and occupational health, among others. Proposed actions promote integrated approaches, linking environmental health to broader public health and sustainable development goals.
Dr Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Health at WHO, highlighted the importance of this update, noting, "The 2024 version of the Compendium represents a significant milestone in our efforts to address environmental health risks. By providing detailed guidance on the most impactful actions, we empower countries to take decisive steps towards healthier environments and improved public health outcomes."
In addition to the 2024 update, WHO has earlier developed a version of the compendium with International Classification of Health Intervention (ICHI) codes, offering a comprehensive and user-friendly coding system for environmental health interventions. The ICHI Codes version is designed to integrate seamlessly with health information systems, facilitating accurate data collection and analysis, and standardizing the classification of health interventions across various health systems and sectors.
The updated Compendium and its ICHI codes version provide countries with the necessary tools to implement effective environmental health interventions, monitor progress and report on their achievements. WHO encourages governments, health authorities and stakeholders to utilize these updated resources to strengthen their environmental health programs and policies for addressing environmental health challenges and promoting sustainable development.
