Case studies on climate resilient and low carbon health systems (Албания - Тендер #44850850)

Technical support to accelerate the implementation of the upcoming WHO Conceptual and Operational Framework for Building Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Health Systems in the Western Pacific Region. This will involve literature search, desktop reviews, and knowledge sharing publication in a peer-reviewed academic journal.

BACKGROUND

Over the past 50 years, human activities have released significant amounts of greenhouse gases, impacting the global climate. The healthcare sector is globally challenged by climate change and environmental threats, adding to the burden faced by WHO Member States in the Western Pacific Region (WPR) as they strive to provide equitable and effective healthcare. This sector itself contributes 4.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through supply chains, transportation, heating, ventilation, and waste management. To address this, there is a need for a comprehensive approach to develop environmentally sustainable alternatives in healthcare operations.

Adopting a climate-resilient, sustainable, low-carbon healthcare system model aligns with WHOs global policy recommendations and supports Member States efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Paris Agreement targets. The WHOs 2020 Guidance on Climate-Resilient and Environmentally Sustainable Health Care Facilities advises Member States to regulate, develop, construct, and retrofit healthcare facilities using low-carbon approaches for climate resilience and sustainability.

Building climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems is a top priority for the Regions future vision and WHOs global agenda. This approach integrates climate change considerations, addresses environmental determinants of health, and implements disaster risk reduction strategies. The upcoming WHO Conceptual and Operational Framework provides guidance for health systems and public health programmes in protecting health amidst a changing climate. As climate change and the environment are thematic priorities in the Western Pacific Regions vision, WHO/ACE will support Member States in anticipating, preventing, preparing for, and managing climate-related health risks. This includes promoting decarbonization of the infrastructure, energy supply, supply chain, equipment, and medical products to private sector as well.