UNGA79 Roundup
A powerful week for health and climate action
Last week at UNGA79, Seed Global Health brought health workers to the center of discussions on health, climate change, and security. A key moment was the premiere of our short film, Health Workers Save Lives, at Goals House, showcasing the dedication of our team and partners in saving lives and advancing government priorities.
Health Workers Save Lives Campaign
We were proud to launch the year-long Health Workers Save Lives campaign in partnership with the Frontline Health Workers Coalition. This campaign emphasizes the indispensable role of health workers in achieving universal health coverage, pandemic preparedness, and climate adaptation. We invite everyone working to close the health equity gap to join us by using #HealthWorkersSaveLives on social media and advocating for stronger investments in health workers. Click here to get involved.
Health is Defense
Health and climate are deeply intertwined, impacting economic stability, national security, and our collective future. During our fireside chat at the Foreign Policy Health Forum, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pointed out how defense spending often takes precedence over healthcare and climate initiatives. In response, our CEO Dr. Vanessa Kerry emphasized, “Health is defense.” Better population health and more investment in prevention, health system resilience, and quality healthcare along with access to essentials like food and clean water are critical to national security and stability. Health is a key pillar of defense and security. Stay tuned for more on this issue!
Antimicrobial Resistance: A Commitment to Action
A major milestone this week was the commitment by global leaders to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), i.e., the rise of superbugs. We commend leaders like Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley for driving the ambitious declaration forward, focusing on sustainable health systems and infection prevention programs in healthcare facilities. Health workers are vital to tackling AMR, and more investment is essential to building a skilled global health workforce.
Way Forward
COP28 made strides by bringing health into the climate conversation, but now the dialogue must expand beyond the health sector. The nexus of climate and health is not just a health issue—it’s an economic, social, and security issue.
At Seed, we are committed to advancing this conversation on global stages whether at UNGA, the G20, or the Munich Security Conference. Investing in climate-resilient health systems and a strong health workforce is one of the smartest moves we can make to address the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Health workers save lives, and they are on the frontlines of our fight against the effects of climate change. Now is the time for bold action, with health at the center of our climate response.
