Today the World Health Organization launched a comprehensive Repository of systematic reviews on interventions in environment, climate change and health. The Repository aims to assess the current state of evidence and to provide a list of systematic reviews on interventions in all major areas of environment, climate change and health (ECH). Areas of ECH covered by the Repository have been defined based on the Compendium of WHO and other UN guidance on health and environment and include air quality, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), climate change, solid waste, chemicals, radiation, nature and health, safe environments and mobility, safe and healthy food, environmental noise, and priority settings for action. Examples of systematic reviews that were considered for inclusion in the Repository include those examining various types of intervention, such as policies, practices, and educational interventions, with the aim to improve health outcomes or reduce harmful exposures.
“Implementing effective environmental health interventions can save millions of lives every year,” said Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization. “Policy-makers need to be informed on how to withstand environmental shocks and protect populations. This Repository presents the existing knowledge on the most effective interventions that can be implemented and will help policy-makers to make the right decision.”
In an era marked by escalating environmental challenges and their profound implications on public health, the launch of this Repository marks a milestone in WHO’s ongoing efforts to safeguard global health and well-being. This Repository serves as a catalyst and spotlights existing knowledge and evidence on the most effective interventions to be taken. By highlighting these measures, WHO can assist decision-makers and practitioners at national, regional and municipal levels in identifying and implementing most effective environmental health policies. This Repository may also be used to point out current knowledge gaps and stimulate research in areas in which evidence is needed.
