New members of ATACH: Grenada, El Salvador, Cuba and Qatar

Grenada, El Salvador, Cuba and Qatar have joined the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH), bringing the total number of member countries/areas to 97.

The Government of Grenada committed to ATACH on 25 April 2025. The Government of Grenada first recognised the vulnerability of the health sector to climate change in 2000 in the First National Communication in 2000 and has responded with a number of initiatives since then. Grenada is a small island developing state located in the south eastern Caribbean, made up of several islands all with its own individual characteristics.  While the country has not contributed significant emissions, they are already experiencing severe changes in its climate system.  This is evidenced by increased incidence of drought, longer dry seasons, shorter rainy seasons, increased temperature, coastal degradation and intrusion of saline water into aquifers, among others.  ATACH welcomes the Government of Grenada’s initiatives to develop climate-resilient, low-carbon and sustainable health systems and participate in ATACH thematic areas: financing climate & health interventions; climate-resilient health systems; and healthy climate action by other sectors

The Government of the Republic of El Salvador committed to ATACH on 19 June 2025. This commitment is in line with their process of updating El Salvador's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These will define El Salvador’s longer-term goals and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), to adapt to the effects of climate change and to promote sustainable development. El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America and is especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise, floods and more frequent and intense extreme weather events. ATACH welcomes El Salvador’s commitment to climate-resilient, low-carbon and sustainable health systems.

The Government of the Republic of Cuba confirmed their participation in ATACH on 14 July 2025. Cuba is a small island state that is experiencing worsening environmental issues and severe weather due to climate change. In response to this, Cuba has a National Environmental Strategy for environmental protection and the fight against climate change. It has implemented "Tarea Vida” as a national plan to mitigate these impacts, with a strong component on public health and the well-being of the population.  Joining ATACH is a reflection of the government's will to take sustainable actions through multidisciplinary and inter-sectoral participation. We look forward to learning from Cuba's experiences and knowledge and being able to contribute to greater action on climate and health issues in Cuba.

The Government of the State of Qatar committed to joining ATACH on 28 July 2025. Qatar is a small peninsula in the Western part of the Arabian Gulf. Weather conditions in the region are extreme with an average annual rainfall of less than 80 mm. This results in impacted water and food supplies. Qatar has committed to developing their health system to be resilient to the impacts of climate change.

With 97 member countries/areas we have reach 50% of all WHO Member States who have joined ATACH to help protect human health in the face of climate change.  We are thrilled to welcome our new members and thank all of members for their collaborative efforts to build climate-resilient, low-carbon and sustainable health systems for all.