Zimbabwe commits to building climate-resilient and sustainable health systems.

Harare - Zimbabwe has officially committed to the COP26 Health initiative and joined the WHO-led Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate Change (ATACH), becoming the 29^th country in the African region. This significant step reflects the country’s dedication to enhancing its health systems’ resilience to climate change and the country’s commitment to build sustainable, low-carbon healthcare system. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the country as it embarks on a journey to develop climate-resilient and sustainable health systems in alignment with global health and climate commitments.

The WHO-led ATACH was established as a follow-up to the COP26 Health initiative, aimed at supporting countries in implementing strategies that promote health systems resilient to climate change while reducing carbon footprints. By joining ATACH, the Government of Zimbabwe demonstrates its commitment to this vital mission, with a proactive approach to addressing the growing impacts of climate change on public health.

Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Health and Child Care, emphasized the critical role of healthcare systems in Africa as they confront climate-induced emergencies. He highlighted the urgent need to build community resilience and strengthen healthcare infrastructure in light of looming climate-driven disease outbreaks. He made his remarks during the high-level meeting for Ministers of Health and delegates at the Climate and Health Africa Conference, where Zimbabwe formally handed over its letter of intention to join the ATACH.

A central aspect of Zimbabwe's ATACH commitment will be the development of a health system capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change. The government plans to conduct a comprehensive climate change and health vulnerability and adaptation assessment, expected to be completed by September 2025. This assessment will serve as a critical foundation for crafting a Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP), which aims to integrate health considerations into the broader National Adaptation Plan by September 2026. This strategic planning is essential for aligning health policies with the nation’s overall climate resilience strategy.

In addition to adaptation efforts, Zimbabwe is committed to establishing a sustainable low-carbon health system that meets the emission targets outlined in the Paris Agreement. This includes conducting a baseline assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from health facilities and their supply chains, with an action plan for developing a low-carbon health system set for publication by May 2025. Notably, Zimbabwe has set an ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions in the health sector by 2050, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and public health.

To support these initiatives, Zimbabwe intends to leverage its vulnerability and adaptation assessments, along with the HNAP, to access vital climate change funding through national and international mechanisms such as the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This funding will be instrumental in facilitating the transition to a climate-resilient health infrastructure.

Zimbabwe's participation in ATACH will enable active engagement in various thematic working groups focused on critical areas such as financing commitments for climate-resilient health systems, ensuring green supply chains, and sustainable health practices. This commitment not only addresses immediate health challenges posed by climate change but also positions Zimbabwe as a leader in regional and global dialogues on health and climate resilience. The strategic alignment is expected to yield long-term benefits, safeguarding the health of Zimbabwe's citizens and contributing to broader international climate goals.

WHO plays a crucial role in promoting the resilience of health systems to climate change by providing guidance, resources, and support to countries globally. Through initiatives like the ATACH, the WHO is facilitating collaboration among countries to develop strategies that integrate health considerations into climate action plans. WHO is also supporting countries to enhance their health infrastructure, ensuring they are better equipped to withstand the growing challenges posed by climate variability and extreme weather events.

WHO Representative to Zimbabwe Dr Desta Tiruneh commended Zimbabwe's decision to join ATACH, emphasizing that this commitment is a vital step towards building a healthier, more resilient future for the nation. "This initiative is not only about protecting health today but also about ensuring that future generations can thrive in a changing climate. Zimbabwe's proactive approach will serve as an example for other nations in the region.”