Advancing Climate Resilient Health Systems: Launch of the Regional Commission and CReAIT at UNGA79

Introduction

On September 27, 2024, global health and climate leaders, policymakers, and innovators gathered during UNGA79 to participate in a roundtable discussion focused on advancing climate resilience for health. Organized and hosted by HIEx, this event addressed the pressing intersection of climate change and public health, and explored how collaborative, regional approaches have the potential to mitigate climate risks while ensuring equity in healthcare access.

Key Topics Discussed

Climate Emergency Surveillance and Prediction Systems

The session opened with a focus on the growing need for early-warning systems to predict and respond to climate-related health emergencies. CReAIT, which stands for Climate Resilient AI Technology, was officially launched as a critical tool in this effort. CReAIT brings together data on climate, health infrastructure, supply chain and is augmented by community provided real time data to assess health system and infrastructure risks. Leveraging AI-powered insights to help identify vulnerable health infrastructure and target regions most at risk of climate-induced disasters, CReAIT also builds capacities of communities in climate mitigation and adaptation in the health sector.

By providing real-time data and early-warning systems, CReAIT enables governments to take preventive action to safeguard healthcare facilities in flood-prone and disaster-prone areas. The platform also supports countries in long-term planning by identifying the areas where healthcare systems need to be strengthened to withstand climate impacts.

Building Climate-Resilient and Equitable Health Infrastructure

The roundtable emphasized the importance of creating resilient health systems that can withstand climate shocks, such as floods and droughts. CReAIT will play a central role in helping governments and organizations design health facilities that are not only climate-proof but also equitable, ensuring access to healthcare for marginalized communities most affected by climate change.

Participants shared case studies from regions in Africa, where healthcare infrastructure has been devastated by climate disasters. Discussions highlighted how CReAIT’s AI-driven insights can help these regions rebuild more sustainable and resilient health systems. An AI Chatbot supports communities and healthcare workers to understand the impact of climate change and guides them in their role in addressing climate change within the health sector.

Technical Assistance Network for Policy and Regulatory Frameworks

Another key theme was the development of a Technical Assistance Program (TAP) to provide ongoing policy and regulatory development, lessons from strategies and actions that are effective and tools for building capacities. The Regional Commission will work closely with governments to support development of appropriate policies, strategies, action plans and investment that integrate climate resilience and health equity.

Financing Instruments for Climate-Health Projects

Exploring innovative financing models to support climate and health projects, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, the roundtable discussed the potential for blended finance models, public-private partnerships, and international development funds to invest in climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure. The need for greater transparency on financing opportunities and investable projects was discussed. CReAIT will develop a portal that lists different climate and health financing options available by partners and by regions to facilitate greater collaboration and effective investment for impact.

Outcomes and Commitments

• The establishment of working groups focused on areas such as climate emergency surveillance, resilient health infrastructure, and innovative financing instruments.

• The formation of the proposed Regional Commission is to drive collaboration across countries, supporting governments in integrating climate resilience into their healthcare systems.

• A commitment to using CReAIT as a data-driven tool to protect health infrastructure in vulnerable regions and guide the development of early-warning systems.