28 May 2013: The 66th meeting of the World Health Assembly adopted 24 resolutions and five decisions, including a resolution on health and climate change. Delegates considered the impacts of increasing risks of weather-related extremes on both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

In the resolution on climate change and health (Item 18.E – Resolution EB124.R5), delegates commend WHO’s role in international negotiations, technical partnerships with organizations such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the expansion of support for health in national adaptation planning, now covering over 30 countries.

Member States further call on WHO to renew and revise its workplan on climate change to cover the period 2014-2019, and join the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), which aims to catalyze rapid reductions in short-lived climate pollutants to protect human health.

The 66th meeting of the World Health Assembly was held 20-28 May, 2013 in Geneva, Switzerland. Other resolutions and decisions include: disability; e-health; the Global Vaccine Action Plan; International Health Regulations; malaria; the Mental Health Action Plan: 2013-2020; neglected tropical diseases; noncommunicable diseases; eradication of poliomyelitis; avoidable blindness; and WHO reform. [WHO Press Release] [Coverage of Discussions on Climate Change and Health] [66th World Health Assembly Website]