Japan and Senegal join the ATACH, reinforcing their commitment to climate resilient and low carbon sustainable health systems
© WHO / Pierre Albouy On the margins of the 77th World Health Assembly, the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH) has welcomed the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan and the Ministry of Health and Social Action of the Republic of Senegal among its’ members, bringing the ATACH membership to a total of 84 committed countries and areas.
Japan commits to climate resilient and low carbon sustainable health systems
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan has formally expressed its participation in ATACH and commitment to advance climate adaptation and mitigation in the health sector.
Japan had already undertaken a Climate Change Impact assessment in 2020, which has informed its Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP). These initiatives aim to strengthen the resilience of Japan's health systems against the impacts of climate change. Japan's Cabinet has also developed the "Green Growth Strategy Through Achieving Carbon Neutrality in 2050," guiding efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the health sector. This includes research and evaluations to decarbonize the health system, alongside a Commitment Plan to a Low Carbon Society. By integrating climate action into health policy and joining the dynamic community of the ATACH, Japan is working towards substantial and long-term benefits for public health and environmental sustainability.
The Republic of Senegal commits to climate resilient and net zero sustainable health systems
The Ministry of Health and Social Action of the Republic of Senegal has also formally expressed its commitment to strengthening climate resilience and net zero sustainability in the health system.
The Ministry of Health and Social Action of Senegal has undertaken several vulnerability and adaptation assessments (V&A) since 2021, which it will use to elaborate and update the health component of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) of Senegal. This key step will help the health sector effectively prepare for and protect the population of Senegal from climate risks to health. Notably, by joining the ATACH, the Republic of Senegal has also committed to achieving a net zero health system by 2035, joining 75 countries that have taken this high ambition commitment in the Alliance. To achieve this, the Ministry of Health and Social Action will assess greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from the health sector and develop a decarbonization action plan. In doing so, it aims to achieve multiple co-benefits for population health, including air pollution reduction and improved waste management. The Ministry of Health and Social Action of Senegal has also underscored its commitment to leveraging climate funding for health and actively engaging in the ATACH to implement its commitments, in order to sustainably improve population health.
To see the full list of ATACH countries and areas, and their commitments, visit the Commitment Tracker page.