Report of Climate Resilient and Environmentally Sustainable Supply Chains in the Health Sector Expert Consultation

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Unitaid have released a meeting report and position paper highlighting priorities for collective action towards climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health supply chains, based on an expert consultation held on 2-4 October 2024, in Geneva (Switzerland). 

The Expert Consultation for Climate-Resilient and Environmentally Sustainable Health Supply Chains brought together 80 representatives from over 40 organizations with responsibilities in healthcare supply chains. Participants discussed shared commitments and priorities aimed at addressing climate and environmental risks within global healthcare supply chains, while also minimizing their climate impact. This consultation was convened as a contribution to ATACH and the Global Framework on Chemicals for a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste.

The Meeting Report summarizes the proceedings, recommendations, and shared priorities identified by participants at the consultation. The report highlights a collective commitment to transforming global health supply chains, making them climate-resilient, low-carbon, and environmentally sustainable. Key recommendations from the consultation emphasize the need for a holistic approach that integrates climate mitigation, adaptation, and environmental sustainability, while striving for equity and tailoring implementation strategies to each region’s context and needs.

The Key Priorities for Collective Action position paper outlines the critical actions identified by experts at the consultation to strengthen health supply chains amid challenges posed by climate change and chemical risks. Recommendations include actions across innovation, green manufacturing, sustainable procurement, low-carbon logistics, and circular economy principles. In addition, experts recommended robust regulations, transparency, and accountability mechanisms to drive sustainability standards. Financial mechanisms, including incentives and market-shaping strategies, alongside political commitment and integrated national policies, were also highlighted as essential for supporting this transformation.