WASH and climate change adaptation and mitigation for health, 2023-2030

Overview

Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) identifying climate change as the biggest health threat facing humanity, the most recent WHO data1 shows that the majority of countries have not addressed climate risks or introduced climate resiliency into water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) policies and planning. As one of the cornerstones of public health, WASH is critical in supporting the transition from health vulnerability to resilience2 in the face of climate change. This document takes stock of WHO’s actions at the interface of WASH, climate change and health, with the aim to optimize future actions.