First Global Training for Climate Smart Health Systems Held in Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar, 16 September 2024 – Over 50 experts from more than 18 countries convened in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, for the global inaugural technical training organized by UNICEF with the support from the Government of Canada on climate smart health facilities, focusing on healthcare waste management and health facility solar electrification.

Health systems are contributors to emissions and local air pollution. A UNICEF study in 2023 found that burning waste is the largest source of carbon emissions in immunization programs, accounting for 28%. In contrast, solar electrification of health facilities can reduce emissions by 25%.

World Health Organization reported that three in ten healthcare facilities worldwide lack waste segregation systems, and in the least developed countries, fewer than a third have basic systems for safely treating healthcare waste from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UN General Assembly Resolution adopted in 2023 highlights the urgent need to advance climate SMART health systems. WHO estimates that addressing environmental risks, including hazardous healthcare waste, could prevent 26% of deaths in children under five. Sustainable Development Goal Target 3.9 aims to "substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination" by 2030.

This global training organized for the first time in Mongolia is a crucial step towards these goals, providing participants with the skills and knowledge to implement and maintain Climate Smart Health Systems. The training will help countries adopt and update policies, enhance expertise in green and safe healthcare waste technologies, and deepen understanding of solar electrification for health facilities.