The World Health Organisation estimates that more than 13 million deaths around the world each year are due to avoidable environmental causes. This includes the climate crisis which is the single biggest health threat facing humanity. The climate crisis is also a health crisis.

Paving the way towards an international treaty on pandemic preparedness and response

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU has emerged as a global leader in the area of COVID-19 response. European scientists have developed mRNA vaccines and the EU has massively exported and donated doses to third countries, providing one third of the vaccine doses used to vaccinate the world.

But the EU’s response to the current pandemic goes well beyond vaccination. The EU contributes to strengthening health systems in accordance with an all-of-government, all-of-society, “one health” approach. Further investment in global health security capacity for inclusive, adaptive, and resilient health systems is more important than ever. The EU supports important reforms to our global health architecture and a strong, sustainably financed WHO at its centre.

The current multilateral framework on global health is no longer fit for purpose. That is why, the EU in close cooperation with the EU Members States and partners has pushed forward the idea of a legally binding Pandemic agreement. The new international agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response can become a game changer by addressing the lessons learned from the pandemic and by looking ahead and strengthening prevention for the next ones.

Reimagine your world #HealthierTomorrow

What can you do to protect our planet and our health? WHO proposes recommendations for a healthier planet. Raise your voice and demand climate actions to protect your health.

Join the #BeTheWave campaign

• Almost 2 million children under the age of 5 die every year due to environmental factors
  like pollution. 
• 1 in 3 people live without access to safe drinking water.
• Over the past 20 years, plastic waste in the sea increased by 49% killing thousands of marine animals each year.

Both humans and animals suffer the consequences of an unhealthy planet. The Earth is calling for our help. To answer this call, the #BeTheWave campaign was launched yesterday to make our voices heard and raise awareness on the protection of the planet, leading up to Earth Day on 22 April. More info here earthcalling.eu