Oluwatobi Adu 
The World Health Organization has launched a major global strategy aimed at placing health at the centre of climate change, air pollution and energy policy decisions worldwide.
The new four-year framework was unveiled on Monday during the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in Geneva as governments face mounting pressure to tackle climate-linked health emergencies.
Titled “WHO at the heart of the health response to climate change, air pollution and energy poverty (2025–2028),” the strategy seeks to strengthen cooperation between governments, development partners and health institutions.
WHO warned that environmental risks remain one of the world’s deadliest public health threats, with air pollution alone linked to more than seven million deaths annually.
The organisation also disclosed that health systems themselves contribute nearly five per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
“We now have highly effective solutions to the climate crisis that save lives and money,” said Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum.
“Member States have set the mandate—this plan helps turn it into action,” added Estelle Willie.
WHO Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health Vanessa Kerry said extreme weather events were placing severe pressure on healthcare systems globally.
“Climate and health often remain isolated from broader policy and financing decisions,” Kerry warned.
The strategy aims to help countries integrate health priorities into national climate policies, strengthen healthcare resilience and improve access to climate financing.
WHO said the framework would also expand partnerships through initiatives involving research institutions, civil society groups and global climate-health alliances.
The organisation urged governments and international partners to support implementation over the next four years to ensure climate policies deliver measurable health benefits.
Public health experts say the move signals growing global recognition that climate change, pollution and energy poverty are directly linked to disease burdens and healthcare crises.
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Mirian Gom 
Otamere Gladness 