Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change

ABSTRACT

The Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change was developed in consultation with countries through preparatory meetings and by convening regional health and environment leaders of the Caribbean during the Third Global Conference on Health and Climate Change, held in St. George’s, Grenada, on 16-17 October 2018. During this event, while we heard about deleterious climate change effects in the region, we also heard many success stories and realized the energy, passion, and commitment of the participants to turn those challenges into opportunities. Countries clearly recognized that health needs must be incorporated in all efforts of mitigation, adaptation and preparedness to climate change through collaborative work. We know ministers committed to raise the climate change and health agenda to the highest political level possible, to ensure that health is placed at the center of initiatives aimed at combatting the effects of climate change. This Action Plan is based on the Caribbean’s needs and realities and outlines the overall structure and actions that should guide the work at the national and regional levels. The implementation of this plan will ensure that the region is fully engaged in global climate change processes and agreements. It will benefit Caribbean countries and territories by strengthening their technical cooperation methods, and will facilitate the access to human, technical and financial resources necessary to address the effects of climate change on health. On behalf of WHO and PAHO, we pledge to support the region and the initiatives identified in this plan – every step of the way. Together, we will work to ensure the Member States and their peoples have a sustainable and healthy future.