WHA77.8

Having considered the consolidated report by the Director-General; 2

Recalling the International Health Regulations (2005), the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and the Bangkok Principles on the implementation of the health aspects of the Sendai Framework, the Paris Agreement on climate change and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development, the New Urban Agenda of the Third United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III), and WHO's Thirteenth General Programme of Work, 2019–2025 with its strategic priority of one billion more people better protected from health emergencies;

Recalling also resolutions WHA64.10 (2011) on strengthening national health emergency and disaster management capacities and the resilience of health systems, WHA65.20 (2012) on WHO's response, and role as health cluster lead, in meeting the growing demands of health in humanitarian emergencies, WHA68.15 (2015) on strengthening emergency and essential surgical care and anaesthesia as a component of universal health coverage, WHA73.8 (2020) on strengthening preparedness for health emergencies: implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005), WHA74.7 (2021) on strengthening WHO preparedness for and response to health emergencies, WHA75.17 (2022) on human resources for health and WHA76.2 (2023) on integrated emergency, critical and operative care for universal health coverage and protection from health emergencies;

Recalling further United Nations General Assembly resolutions 75/124 (2020) on international cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural disasters, from relief to development, and 77/28 (2022) on strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations;

Noting with concern that the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related extreme weather events, and their impacts on health, put additional pressure on health systems, and require progress on adaptation, risk reduction and preparedness efforts to protect populations, in particular those at high risk of the devastating consequences of extreme weather events;

Noting also with concern the continued risk of the occurrence of natural hazards, intersecting health emergencies, their multiple and long-term public health consequences and their negative impact on the well-being of people around the world, particularly among those living in vulnerable and fragile situations;

Recognizing that countries continue to face emergencies resulting from natural hazards, according to the WHO classification of hazards in Annex 1 of the WHO Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management Framework; 3

Recognizing also that the devastating health, social and economic impacts of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, and the lessons learned from the responses to it, have highlighted the need to strengthen health emergency preparedness, response and resilience for disasters resulting from natural hazards, as concurrent and converging emergencies challenge communities and health systems;

Recognizing that the health sector plays a fundamental role in emergency preparedness, prevention, response and recovery, and that timely and efficient attention to the health care needs of those living in vulnerable and fragile situations is one of the priorities in the overall management of major emergencies and disasters;

Emphasizing the importance of trained, equipped and diverse health and care workers at the forefront of emergency preparedness, prevention, response and recovery, including but not limited to community health workers and capacitated community volunteers, and their key role in terms of whole‑of‑society engagement and in strengthening efforts towards comprehensive community resilience-building for disasters resulting from natural hazards;

Recognizing the multidimensional aspects of disasters, the complex interdependencies between different stakeholders and the critical role that communities and civil society play in prevention, preparedness, response and recovery from disasters resulting from natural hazards;

Recognizing also that with advances in technology and forecasting capabilities, it is increasingly important to anticipate, prioritize and mobilize risk reduction and readiness actions to mitigate the impacts of the adverse health consequences of disasters resulting from natural hazards, including through multihazard early warning systems that enable countries to be ready to respond rapidly and effectively;

Recognizing further the immediate, shorter-term and permanent health impacts of disasters resulting from natural hazards, including those due to injuries, diseases and death, health infrastructure destruction and services disruption, as well as longer-term health impacts due to the interruption of the prevention and control of communicable and noncommunicable diseases, including the management of mental health and psychosocial conditions, and other public health programmes;

Also recognizing that an adequate response to health emergencies due to disasters resulting from natural hazards requires a resilient and functional health care system, including primary, integrated emergency, critical, surgical and anaesthesia care services, rehabilitation, assistive technology, sexual and reproductive health care services, and mental health and psychosocial support, including equitable and timely access to water, sanitation and hygiene, health products and technologies, which are a critical part of both integrated health care and a robust emergency health care system;

Further recognizing that building resilient public health systems at the local or community, subnational, national and regional levels is essential for preparedness for and response to disasters resulting from natural hazards;

Recognizing also the importance of risk communication, addressing misinformation and disinformation and ensuring community engagement to drive more community-centred and equitable approaches for disasters resulting from natural hazards, including informing, engaging and empowering communities to take proactive action and build resilience;

Recognizing further the significant potential of digital technologies and innovation to increase the accessibility, safety and cost–effectiveness of health services, especially during emergencies;

Noting with concern that persons facing vulnerability and marginalization are often disproportionately affected by the impacts of disasters resulting from natural hazards and are under‑represented in emergency preparedness decision-making,