Tuvalu Becomes 100th Country to Join WHO’s Alliance for Climate and Health Action

“With 100 UN Member States now part of ATACH, we are building a collective force to protect global health and to secure a sustainable, climate-resilient future,” said a WHO spokesperson.

In a significant milestone for global climate and health cooperation, Tuvalu has officially become the 100th country to join the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH). With the recent addition of Cook Islands, Malaysia, and Tuvalu, the Alliance now brings together 100 countries and territories committed to advancing climate-resilient, sustainable, and low-carbon health systems.

The achievement marks a powerful moment of unity in global health governance, as nations rally to safeguard their populations from the growing health threats posed by climate change — from extreme heat and vector-borne diseases to food insecurity and infrastructure disruptions.

“With 100 UN Member States now part of ATACH, we are building a collective force to protect global health and to secure a sustainable, climate-resilient future,” said a WHO spokesperson. “This milestone reflects growing recognition that climate action and health action must go hand in hand.”

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A Global Platform for Climate-Resilient Health Systems

The Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH) was launched following commitments made at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021. ATACH serves as a voluntary, collaborative network that enables countries and partners to share knowledge, exchange experiences, and develop tools to strengthen national health systems against climate-related risks.

Through the Alliance, countries are supported in implementing the COP26 Health Programme, which focuses on two main objectives:

1. Building climate-resilient health systems, capable of adapting to the changing environment.

2. Developing sustainable, low-carbon health systems, to reduce emissions within the healthcare sector.

The WHO-led platform also connects governments with technical partners, academic institutions, and development agencies to promote integrated solutions that address both adaptation and mitigation within the health sector.

“ATACH has created a global community of practice where Member States can learn from one another and accelerate action,” said Dr. Maria Neira, WHO Director for Environment, Climate Change and Health. “Reaching 100 members underscores that the movement for climate and health is gaining unstoppable momentum.”

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New Members Reflect Global Diversity and Shared Commitment

The Cook Islands, Malaysia, and Tuvalu joined ATACH between July and October 2025, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the global dialogue.

• Malaysia, a rapidly growing economy rich in natural resources, is taking steps to reduce emissions and strengthen environmental resilience, including in the health sector. The country’s national climate adaptation plan includes measures to protect hospitals, improve water security, and integrate early warning systems for climate-sensitive diseases.

• The Cook Islands and Tuvalu, as small island developing states (SIDS), face disproportionate vulnerabilities due to rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, and extreme weather events. For these Pacific nations, climate change represents not only an environmental threat but also an existential one, affecting food security, livelihoods, and health infrastructure.

Tuvalu, in particular, has long been a global voice for climate justice, advocating for stronger international action to protect small island states. As the smallest Member State of WHO, Tuvalu has been at the forefront of integrating climate adaptation into national health planning.

“Tuvalu’s leadership sends a strong signal that even the smallest nations can play a big role in shaping global climate action,” WHO noted. “Every country — large or small — has a vital part to play in safeguarding health from the climate crisis.”

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Climate Change: A Growing Threat to Global Health

The inclusion of new members in ATACH comes amid escalating climate-related health emergencies worldwide. The WHO estimates that climate change will cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050, driven by malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress.

The healthcare sector itself accounts for nearly 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, prompting urgent calls for reform to make health systems both climate-smart and sustainable.

ATACH supports participating countries in developing and implementing National Climate and Health Plans, building climate-resilient infrastructure, and reducing the carbon footprint of hospitals and supply chains. The Alliance also facilitates capacity building, technical training, and access to financing mechanisms that enable countries to translate commitments into tangible progress.

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A Dynamic Network of Countries and Partners

With over 95 institutional partners, ATACH has become one of the most inclusive global platforms linking climate action and public health. Its members represent every world region — from Europe and North America to Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific — fostering cross-regional collaboration and solidarity.

Through shared initiatives and best practices, ATACH members are helping to:

• Integrate health priorities into national climate adaptation and mitigation plans.

• Develop early warning systems for climate-sensitive diseases.

• Design low-emission hospitals and healthcare facilities.

• Strengthen health surveillance and emergency preparedness for extreme weather events.

“This milestone is not just about numbers,” said a WHO representative. “It’s about the commitment of 100 countries to build health systems that are resilient to climate shocks and aligned with the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C.”

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Accelerating Global Action Ahead of COP30

As the world prepares for the COP30 climate summit in Brazil in 2025, the momentum behind ATACH reflects growing political will to integrate health into global climate negotiations. WHO and its partners are calling for increased investment in health adaptation and for greater inclusion of health priorities in national climate strategies and financing mechanisms.

Countries that have joined ATACH are leading the way by demonstrating how health and climate goals can reinforce each other, creating co-benefits for human well-being, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

“The Alliance is helping countries turn commitments into action,” said WHO. “The next step is to ensure that all nations — particularly those most vulnerable — have the resources, data, and capacity to protect their people’s health from the accelerating impacts of climate change.”

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Towards Healthier, Climate-Resilient Futures

The expansion of ATACH to 100 members signals a new era of international collaboration where health systems are not just responders to climate impacts but active contributors to mitigation and adaptation efforts.

WHO has urged all countries that have not yet joined the Alliance to do so, emphasizing that collective action at the local level is essential to global resilience. Through ATACH, members are building a shared foundation for health security, sustainability, and climate justice — ensuring that future generations inherit a planet where both people and ecosystems can thrive.