Within the framework of the 77th session of the World Health Assembly, a strategic roundtable titled " Climate Change and Health: A Global Vision for Joint Action " was held. The head of the Azerbaijani delegation, Minister of Health Teymur Musayev, delivered a speech at the roundtable.
Welcoming the event participants, the head of the Azerbaijani delegation noted that today humanity is experiencing both the direct and indirect effects of climate change: "In recent decades, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and storms have increased. These climate events indirectly affect air quality, water pollution, and land use opportunities."

According to the minister, the number of heat-related illnesses is rising: "Many diseases spreading among people are linked to heatwaves, the transmission of infectious diseases, and climate variability."
The head of the delegation regretfully noted that the awareness of healthcare workers about the impact of climate change on health is not at a satisfactory level: "It is proposed to include the subject 'Climate Change and Health' in educational programs. Additionally, the WHO Academy can play a key role in creating an online platform to ensure continuous education on climate change and health."
Public health experts emphasized the importance of disseminating information about the physical and mental health impacts of climate change among communities.
The minister, speaking at the roundtable, also noted that healthcare systems significantly contribute to carbon dioxide emissions: "A comprehensive transformation of the healthcare system is required to mitigate new climate challenges. However, compliance with regulations, financial constraints, and cultural resistance remain major issues in implementing the concept of 'Green Hospitals and Healthy Cities.'"
Highlighting the declaration of 2024 as the "Year of Solidarity for a Green World" in Azerbaijan, Teymur Musayev stated that a number of measures implemented at both national and global levels this year have addressed the negative impacts of climate change: "Despite being a country rich in oil, Azerbaijan has always been committed to the 'green' agenda. The fact that our country will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change this November is a clear proof of this."
In his speech, Teymur Musayev emphasized the importance of financially supporting developing, particularly least developed, and small island countries: "We believe that Azerbaijan's four-year chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement will enable it to play a bridging role and align the positions of both developed and developing countries to agree on a New Collective Quantitative Goal at COP29, which will be held in Baku."
"In conclusion, I urge the world community to act swiftly and decisively to avoid the most unpleasant effects of climate on health," the Azerbaijani health minister concluded.