Our planet and our health are inextricably interlinked. The air we breathe, the food we eat, the resources that we consume for livelihoods, shelter, healing and recreation all determine our quality of life and well-being.Our existence relies on the resources and services provided by our planet, but we are dangerously close to exhausting their benefits.
The consequences of unsustainable production and consumption have disturbed the balance of our environment. Climate change, more frequent and intense natural disasters, biodiversity loss and pollution are all disproportionately affecting the people who are least capable of protecting themselves.
In terms of health impacts, these events increase the incidence of injuries, malnutrition, vector-borne diseases like dengue fever, and noncommunicable diseases such as asthma, chronic respiratory diseases, stroke, heart attack and many others.Health for all can only be achieved in a healthy planet that serves everyone equitably regardless of their race, gender, age, religion or wealth.
It requires societies that equip people and communities to care for the environment, and strong leadership that protects the most vulnerable while creating a clear path towards a sustainable future.Primary health care approachCountries have declared their commitment to achieving universal health coverage by building people-centred, resilient and sustainable health systems that uphold the human right to health, promote social justice, empower individuals and communities and address the determinants of health.