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In a significant public health initiative, the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Belize has introduced the PCV-13 vaccine, offering it free of charge at public health facilities nationwide. This campaign aims to safeguard the country’s most vulnerable populations—children and the elderly—from severe infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sinus diseases. Health authorities have underscored the urgency of this measure, citing studies that reveal 40% of healthy children and 10% of healthy adults carry the bacteria responsible for these illnesses. Dr. Liliane Middleton, a representative from the Ministry, highlighted the vaccine’s long-term efficacy, stating, ‘A single dose of PCV-13 provides lifelong protection. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect our families, communities, and ourselves.’ The World Health Organisation reports that pneumococcal diseases claim the lives of approximately 300,000 children under five annually, with the majority of fatalities occurring in developing nations. To mitigate this risk in Belize, the Ministry has ensured widespread accessibility to the vaccine, encouraging families to visit their nearest health center or mobile clinic to receive the immunization at no cost. Dr. Middleton reiterated, ‘The vaccine is available at all public health centers and mobile clinics. Anyone interested can simply request it, and it will be administered free of charge.’

As the world grapples with the escalating effects of climate change, the focus has often been on deforestation and carbon emissions. However, the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, has shifted the spotlight to a critical yet often overlooked aspect: human health. The conference kicked off with the launch of the Belém Health Action Plan, the first-ever global framework dedicated to safeguarding health in the face of climate change.

The Belém Health Action Plan outlines actionable steps for nations to fortify their health systems against the mounting pressures of climate-related challenges. These include extreme heatwaves, deteriorating air quality, food insecurity, and the rise of climate-sensitive diseases, all of which are increasingly affecting populations worldwide. Health systems are struggling to keep pace with these demands, underscoring the urgent need for robust adaptation strategies.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasized that health has historically been sidelined in climate discussions. ‘For too long, health has been a footnote in climate negotiations,’ he stated. Echoing this sentiment, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell highlighted the intrinsic link between climate action and daily life priorities. ‘Humanity can only win this global climate fight if we connect stronger climate actions to people’s top priorities. And there are few higher priorities than our health,’ he remarked.

To bolster this initiative, over 35 philanthropic organizations have committed $300 million in funding. These resources will be directed toward addressing extreme heat, air pollution, and climate-sensitive infectious diseases. Additionally, the funds will enhance health data systems, enabling more effective emergency responses and the development of long-term resilience strategies.

The Belém Health Action Plan marks a pivotal moment in global climate policy, recognizing health as a cornerstone of climate adaptation. As nations work to implement its recommendations, the plan promises to reshape how the world addresses the intersection of climate change and public health.