The 2024 update of the Compendium of WHO and other UN guidance on health and environment offers a comprehensive collection of resources aimed at improving health by promoting healthier environments. The Compendium covers more than 500 actions and provides a framework for considering health and environment interventions across various sectors such as air pollution, water, sanitation and hygiene, climate change, chemicals, radiation, and food systems.
The Compendium is organized based on the principal sectors involved, the level of implementation (national, community, health care), the type of instrument used (taxes, infrastructure, etc.), and the category of evidence. Information is drawn from a wide range of documents and presented in a simple and systematized format to make it easily accessible to users. It is regularly updated to ensure that the latest WHO and UN guidance on health and environment is available.
The target audience for the Compendium includes decision-makers with a focus on health and environment, as well as individuals who support them, such as mayors, staff in ministries, and UN country staff. The Compendium has been developed by WHO in collaboration with UN Environment, UNDP, and UNICEF with the goal of reducing diseases caused by environmental factors and saving lives. Users can access additional resources such as infographics to further support their efforts in creating healthier environments.
With its easy-to-use format and wealth of resources, the Compendium serves as an essential tool for anyone looking to improve public health by promoting cleaner environments. Its comprehensive approach covers all aspects of environmental impact on human health while providing practical guidance on how to implement effective interventions.
As global leaders in public health and environmental protection join forces to create this resource guidebook for healthy living conditions worldwide it’s clear that we are taking strides towards a safer planet for future generations.
