(Brasilia, Brazil, July 31, 2025) –A delegation from the Ministry of Health is participating in the 2025 Global Conference on Climate and Health being held in Brasilia, Brazil. The global event has brought together experts, policymakers, and advocates to explore how climate change adaptation can be effectively integrated into health systems.
Mr. Paul Y.S. Quiminee, Acting Director and Laura Kolaker, Program Assistant from the Environmental and Occupational Health Unit at the Ministry of Health are representing the ministry at the forum. Their participation was made possible through the support of the World Health Organization-Liberia (WHO) in recognition of Liberia’s vulnerability to climate-sensitive health threats.
The conference is intended to consolidate evidence from around the world on how health adaptation policies are being implemented in response to climate change. Discussions are centered on the health co-benefits of ambitious and equitable climate actions at all levels of governance, from global to grassroots.
A major focus of the event is the Belém Health Action Plan, a comprehensive climate-health strategy developed by WHO’s climate arm, the Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH). The plan is structured around three key lines of action: early warning and climate surveillance systems, evidence-based policy and capacity building, and innovation and production in health technologies.
These action lines are intended to help countries prepare for and respond to climate-induced health risks such as heatwaves, floods, disease outbreaks, and deteriorating air quality.
The Belém Plan also aims to elevate health as a central pillar in global climate action frameworks, including in the lead-up to COP30.
The Ministry’s representatives are expected to share Liberia’s experiences and challenges, particularly in managing environmental health risks, and learn from best practices in other countries to inform policy development at home.
Key outcomes from the conference include the integration of member countries’ inputs into the draft Belém Health Action Plan, clarification of national responsibilities under the ATACH framework, and the development of scientific tools to guide implementation. There is also a strong push to ensure health remains a priority topic during COP30, scheduled to be held later this year in Brazil.