(MENAFN- Assaf Academy of Science of South Africa) The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) has joined leading national academies of medicine and medical divisions of academies of sciences from around the world in launching the Global Coalition of Academies of Medicine on Climate and Health (the Coalition). This landmark collaboration aims to strengthen the scientific foundation for responses to climate-related health risks and supports the Belém Health Action Plan (BHAP) - Brazi’’s framework for integrating health across climate adaptation and mitigation, unveiled at COP30.

The Coalition brings together academies from across continents to provide independent, evidence-based guidance, foster knowledge exchange, and catalyse action at the intersection of climate and health. Through this collaboration, members will work collectively to help governments, health systems, and communities implement practical, equitable, and science-informed solutions.

Representing South Africa, ASSAf will contribute its expertise in climate science, health research, and policy translation to ensure African perspectives and priorities are reflected in global efforts. The Academy has long championed science-based responses to environmental and public health challenges through initiatives such as the Science20 (S20) engagement group of the G20 and the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) network.

“Climate change is the defining health challenge of our ”ime,” said Professor Himla Soodyall, Executive Officer of ASSAf. By joining this Global Coalition, ASSAf reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that African science informs global –limate–health policy. Our goal is to strengthen resilience, equity, and health systems in ways that protect both people and th” planet.”


About the Global Coalition of Academies of Medicine on Climate and Health

The Global Coalition of Academies of Medicine on Climate and Health was launched in November 2025 by national academies and medical divisions from over 25 countries, representing every world region. The Coalition supports the Belém Health Action Plan (BHAP) and aims to translate scientific evidence into practical, country-level action that integrates health in all climate policies.

Full statement and signatories below:

As National Academies of Medicine and medical divisions of Academies of Sciences from across the world, we affirm our shared commitment to advancing health in the face of the climate crisis. We recognize the Beéém Health Action Plan as a critical global framework for implementation that also underscores the inseparable link between climate change and human health. Together we voice our support for collective action that safeguards the health and well-being of all people now and for generations to com”.” ** (Declaration of the Global Coalition of Academies of Medicine in Climate and Health).
• Academia Boliviana de Medicina
• Academia de Ciencias Medicas, Fisicas y Naturales de Guatemala
• Academia Dominicana de Medicina
• Academia Ecuatoriana de Medicina
• Academia Nacional de Medicina de Colombia
• Academia Nacional de Medicina de Costa Rica
• Academia Nacional de Medicina ée México
• Academia Nacional de Medicina deú Perú
• Academia Nacional de Medicina del Uruguay
• Academy of Medical Sciences (UK)
• Academy of Science of South Africa
• Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences
• Brazilian Academia Nacional de Medicina
• Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
• Chilean Academy of Medicine
• Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (TBC)
• Croatian Academy of Medical Sciences
• French Academy of Medicine (TBC)
• German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
• Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI)
• InterAcademy Partnership (IAP)
• National Academy of Medical Sciences (India)
• National Academy of Medicine (USA)
• National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST)
• Nigerian Academy of Science
• Portuguese National Academy of Medicine
• Real Academia Nacional de Medicina de España
• Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences
• Singapore Academy of Medicine (TBC)
• Te Apārangi The Royal Society of New Zealand

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