(Belém, Brazil, November 25, 2024) — Liberia is making its debut at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) to advocate for stronger global action on the growing health threats posed by climate change.

Supported by WaterAid Liberia, the World Bank, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization, a joint delegation from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) is representing the country in Belém, where the health impacts of climate change are increasingly taking center stage.

Leading the delegation is Paul Y.S. Quiminee, Acting Director of the MOH’s Environmental and Occupational Health Unit. Quiminee delivered a key technical presentation, The Climate Rationale for the WASH Sector, a comprehensive assessment produced by the WASH Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

The document highlights climate-driven vulnerabilities in Liberia’s water, sanitation, and hygiene systems and outlines targeted interventions to enhance resilience. Its recommendations are expected to guide future policy decisions, donor investments, and program implementation across both the health and WASH sectors.

“This is Liberia’s opportunity to show the world that climate and health are inseparable,” Quiminee told development partners during a series of COP30 side events. He emphasized the need for expanded technical assistance and climate financing to bolster health-system resilience, including improved disease surveillance and community-level preparedness.

“We are at a critical moment where climate and health cannot be treated separately,” Quiminee said. “Liberia is committed to building a resilient health system, but we cannot do it alone. Global support is essential.”

The Ministry remains committed to protecting the health of all Liberians by strengthening public health systems, enhancing climate resilience, and ensuring equitable access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services.