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PartnershipsEHP

The Environment and Health Process (EHP) is the first-ever process aimed at eliminating the most significant environmental threats to human health. Established in 1989, the EHP is governed by the Member States of the WHO European Region and serves as a dynamic intersectoral platform for developing and implementing policies that promote environment, health and well-being. The EHP’s objectives and priorities are defined by the Ministerial Conferences on Environment and Health that convene every 5–7 years.

At the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, Member States adopted the Budapest Declaration and its Roadmap for healthier people, a thriving planet and a sustainable future 2023–2030. There, the ”EHP Partnerships” were established as a new practical, agile, thematic and action-oriented mechanism to facilitate the implementation of these commitments. The Partnerships are based on a voluntary commitment from Member States and EHP stakeholders to collaborate on topics of common interest within the scope of the Budapest Declaration.

What are the avenues of action within the EHP Partnerships? The EHP Partnerships bring together Member States and stakeholders with a shared interest in specific thematic areas. They cover various collaborative initiatives aimed at addressing pressing environment and health challenges. The activities within the EHP Partnerships include, for instance, joint projects; capacity-strengthening through trainings and workshops; the provision of technical assistance; collaboration in innovation and research; and the dissemination of relevant WHO guidelines, tools and methodologies. Additionally, the EHP Partnerships actively advocate for peer- to-peer support, knowledge sharing and experience exchange. They serve as a platform for communities of practice, enhancing opportunities for “twinning” and fostering mutual benefits and collaborative growth.

What is the governance of the EHP Partnerships? An EHP Partnership is not a legal entity. It can be established and led or co-led by Member States and/or recognized stakeholders of the European Environment and Health Task Force (EHTF). EHP Partnerships are approved by decisions of the EHTF and operate in accordance with the Terms of Reference of the EHP Partnerships, with WHO providing overall guidance and support. All members of the EHTF are welcome to establish and join the EHP Partnerships. EHP Partnerships are mainly supported by their partners, through voluntary contributions that can be made available financially or in-kind.

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EHP Partnership for Health Sector Climate Action Lead Member State: Ireland

Current partners (2024): Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), Norway, United Kingdom

Why climate action in the health sector?

By integrating climate action into health-care policies and practices, the health sector can not only mitigate its own environmental footprint but also contribute to the broader combat against climate change. These include advocating for policies to prioritize public health and climate resilience, foster research and innovation in sustainable health-care practices, and collaborate with other sectors to drive systemic change towards a low-carbon future.

Scope of work of the EHP Partnership for health sector climate action

This Partnership aims to support countries in the WHO European Region, particularly those that have either committed to or are considering committing to the COP26 Health Programme and the ATACH initiative. The Partnership will facilitate the building of a regional community of practice to share approaches, experience and research as countries unpack implementation challenges and chart pathways and solutions to developing climate-resilient, low-carbon health systems.

What are the main objectives?

The EHP Partnership for Health Sector Climate Action will explore a range of climate adaptation and mitigation issues as part of its work programme, including:

To maximize its effectiveness, countries that have not yet analyzed their capacity to take climate action in their health systems are particularly encouraged to join the EHP Partnership. It will provide a regional platform for peer-to-peer conversations and support between countries with more advanced climate and health programmes and those in the initial stages. The Partnership complements the efforts of the EHTF Working Group on Health in Climate Change (HIC).

Mitigation areas • built environment and green environment • transport and mobility • sustainable procurement • greener models of health care • water conservation and management • stakeholder engagement.

Adaptation areas • heat and related health effects • flooding and other extreme weather events • zoonotic and vector borne diseases • water security and safety • mental health.

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For more information, please contact: [email protected]

Partnership for Health Sector Climate Action Solution Exchange: Climate-Friendly Transport in the Health Sector

Join the EHP Partnership for Health Sector Climate Action for a solution-focused discussion on national and local interventions to reduce health sector transport emissions. Experts will deep dive into issues such as patient travel, staff travel, and health sector freight, sharing knowledge, lessons learned, and actionable insights within broader national contexts and sector-specific initiatives.

EHP

Date: 5 November 2024 Time: 9:30–11:30 am CET Registration link here

https://who.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ccFqKCsLTdaiPC0VDtjoeA#/registration

Given its scale and influence, the healthcare sector plays a pivotal role in climate action. Currently, healthcare systems account for approximately 4.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the need for urgent action to mitigate their contributions to climate change and air pollution.

Of the total global healthcare footprint, 7% correspond to transport, encompassing the fleets of health services including ambulances and other patient transport, staff commuting and healthcare- related freight. Tackling these areas is essential to lowering the sector’s carbon footprint, setting a powerful example of leadership in promoting and protecting public health and advancing the response to climate change.

In this first deep-dive, the EHP Partnership for Health Sector Climate Action will bring together the experiences of five countries from the WHO European Region to exchange insights, strategies, and lessons learned in the journey towards advancing climate- friendly transport solutions.

During a two-hour interactive discussion, participants will hear how health sectors have developed transport-related carbon footprints and will learn more about the role played by innovations such as digital health, active travel and decarbonising vehicle fleets. Experts will share their experiences, highlight actionable strategies, and engage in dialogue on the challenges faced.

By participating in this deep-dive, attendees will gain practical insights on solutions and discover opportunities to incorporate these innovations within their own national contexts. The discussion will be of interest to professionals in the transport and health sectors committed to climate action, to climate policymakers looking to expand national efforts, and to local and regional health sector managers.

Date: 5 November 2024 Time: 9:30–11:30 am CET Registration link here

Solution Exchange: Climate-Friendly Transport in the Health Sector