Understanding the Belem Health Action Plan (BHAP)

Introduction

Recently, the Belem Health Action Plan (BHAP) was launched at COP30, aiming to position health at the core of global climate action. This initiative addresses the urgent need for health resilience amid rising climate-related challenges.

Background: The Climate Emergency and Health Crisis

The impacts of climate change on health have worsened significantly over the last decade. There has been a notable increase in heat-related illnesses and vector-borne diseases, alongside health emergencies linked to extreme weather events. The World Bank estimates that by 2050, climate-related health impacts could lead to approximately 15.6 million deaths.

The 2025 Lancet Countdown Report further emphasizes the escalating mortality rates due to climate change, coupled with deteriorating environmental conditions.

The Finance Gap

Addressing health-related climate adaptation demands an estimated annual investment of US$11 billion. However, current funding levels remain critically insufficient:

• Only 0.5% of multilateral climate finance is allocated to health initiatives.
• A mere 4% of multilateral adaptation funding from 2019 to 2023 has been directed toward the health sector.

About the Belem Health Action Plan (BHAP)

The BHAP aspires to develop climate-resilient health systems by mobilizing finance, technology, and innovation. It encompasses 60 action items that emphasize disease surveillance, evidence-based policymaking, health innovation, and integrated response strategies. This framework is unique as it is the first international climate adaptation initiative focused exclusively on health.

BHAP serves as a strategic roadmap for nations to tackle the rising health threats posed by climate change. It plays a vital role in the COP30 Action Agenda, aligning with Objective 16, which advocates for resilient health systems amidst the climate crisis. The plan aims to steer member countries towards collective advancements for the 2028 Global Stocktake.

With the endorsement of over 80 organizations, including civil society groups and global health institutions, the BHAP is backed by a substantial investment of US$300 million. India has also shown its support for this initiative, committing to significant domestic efforts and estimating a need of US$643 billion by 2030 to enhance climate-health resilience.

Challenges in Climate-Health Adaptation Funding

Despite the clear need for action, several challenges hinder the effective adaptation of health systems:

• Severe Underfunding: The health sector currently receives only 0.5% of total climate finance, which is insufficient for building resilient health systems.
• Fragmented Planning: Many national health adaptation plans are incomplete or lack thorough risk assessments. For instance:
  • Only 54% assess risks to health facilities.
  • Fewer than 30% consider income-related disparities.
  • Just 20% address gender-based vulnerabilities.
  • Less than 1% include the needs of individuals with disabilities.
• Capacity Gaps: Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) often lack the capacity to implement effective multi-hazard early-warning systems and comprehensive climate-health strategies.

Strategies for Strengthening Climate-Resilient Health Systems

1. Urgent Need for Financing: It is crucial to bridge the adaptation finance gap by mobilizing diverse funding sources and promoting inclusive, long-term planning across sectors.
2. Integrating Health into Climate Policies: Health considerations must be integrated into climate strategies across essential sectors such as energy, transport, agriculture, and urban development, ensuring equity across gender, income, and disability groups.
3. Strengthening Health Systems: Countries should enhance resilience through improved early-warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and a shift towards low-carbon healthcare practices.
4. Promoting Global Leadership: There is a pressing need for global leadership, particularly from nations like India, to illustrate how climate action and public health advancement can align effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Belem Health Action Plan (BHAP)?
Answer: The Belem Health Action Plan is a global framework launched at COP30 to enhance health resilience against climate change, featuring 60 action items focused on health adaptation and innovation.

Q2. Why is funding for health-related climate adaptation insufficient?
Answer: Currently, only 0.5% of multilateral climate finance goes to health, which is far below the estimated US$11 billion needed annually for effective climate-health adaptation.

Q3. How does the BHAP plan to aid countries?
Answer: The BHAP provides a roadmap for nations to create climate-resilient health systems, focusing on disease surveillance and integrated response strategies to combat climate-related health risks.

Q4. What challenges do LDCs face in health adaptation?
Answer: Least Developed Countries (LDCs) often struggle with limited resources and capacity to implement effective climate-health strategies and early-warning systems, hindering their adaptation efforts.

Q5. What role does India play in the BHAP?
Answer: India supports the Belem Health Action Plan by committing to significant domestic initiatives, with a projected requirement of US$643 billion by 2030 for enhancing climate-health resilience.