100 countries and areas in ATACH

© WHO / Yoshi Shimizu

The Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH) now has 100 countries and areas.  With more than half of UN Member States committing to climate and health action and shared knowledge, global momentum for real climate and health action is picking up speed.  Local action is how to achieve global change and ATACH is supporting country action on global climate change and health – but the whole world is needed for this effort.  

Malaysia joined ATACH on 18 August 2025, with commitments to developing its health systems to be climate resilient and to develop a sustainable and low-carbon health system in accordance with the COP26 Health Programme. Malaysia has a rapidly growing economy and forests that are rich in species and are extremely complex ecosystems. Malaysia has committed to publishing an action plan outlining how they will develop a sustainable, low-carbon health system, which includes regular greenhouse gas emissions assessments of health systems and facilities.  They are also planning to have carbon-neutral health systems by 2045. ATACH welcomes Malaysia and looks forward to working with them to ensure their health systems become climate-resilient, sustainable and low-carbon.  

The Cook Islands joined ATACH on 15 July 2025 with a commitment to develop their health systems to be climate resilient.  As a small island developing state (SIDS), 15 small islands scattered over 2 million square kilometres of the South Pacific Ocean, Cook Islands is particularly vulnerable to climate change.  The Cook Islands emit fewer emissions than other nations but has set targets for renewable energy to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. They have committed to developing a climate-resilient health system roadmap and is advancing multisectoral efforts in line with the WHO operational framework. ATACH welcomes the Cook Islands and looks forward to their contributions and working with a nation at the frontline of the climate crisis.  

Tuvalu joined ATACH on 7th October 2025, they are another small island developing state with all their islands being less than five metres above sea level.  As the smallest Member State of WHO, they have made huge statements highlighting climate and health, championing the issues for over a decade. The Ministry of Health has established a Health and Climate Change Unit within their department of Public Health to oversee all climate-health initiatives.  Health was included in Tuvalu’s recent NDC, stating that existing health sector planning and responses to climate-induced health risks are enhanced to achieve the outcome of a resilient health system capable of protecting population health and ensuring the psychosocial wellbeing of Tuvalu’s people. ATACH looks forward to working with Tuvalu, ensuring that no one is left behind in this global effort to build climate-resilient health systems for all. 

Thank you to Malaysia, Cook Islands and Tuvalu for helping ATACH reach this important milestone.