The climate crisis is among the greatest health challenges facing the world today. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, water- and vector-borne diseases are spreading further and faster, fueling outbreaks and straining health infrastructure and workforces. Climate change threatens to undo decades of progress in global health—and the world’s ability to achieve health for all.
The 2023 Reaching the Last Mile Forum will galvanize new momentum, innovation, and investment towards solving the climate-health challenges faced by last-mile communities. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the forum will convene global, frontline, and community leaders in support of advancing resilient health systems that leave no one behind.
Date: Sunday, December 3, 2023
Location: Expo City Dubai, UAE. Hosted within the COP28 Health Day.
The window to request an invitation has closed. To register as a virtual participant, please email: info@reachingthelastmile.com
Agenda
The forum agenda includes a morning plenary featuring a series of panel discussions, keynotes, and innovation spotlights exploring challenges to global health goals in the context of climate change.
Following the morning plenary, countries, partners, and donors will unite to announce transformative commitments and pledges in support of last-mile health and disease elimination efforts, reflecting COP28’s call to unite, act, and forge a healthier and more resilient future together.
Registration
Opening
Attendees will be welcomed to the Reaching the Last Mile Forum, followed by a keynote.Global Health in a Changing Climate
Whether through exposure to extreme weather or shifts in the distribution of disease, the climate crisis is already putting lives and livelihoods at risk. But what evidence is available on the climate-health relationship, and which interventions should be prioritized to protect the communities most affected? Panelists will explore these questions and the opportunities available for action.Keynote: Partnership in Climate-Health
Breaking the Silos on Climate-Sensitive Diseases
In the era of climate change, a siloed approach to disease elimination will no longer be enough to counter the environmental and social factors that place communities at higher risk. The panel will weigh how we recognize and leverage the shared threat of climate change across disease areas to advance innovation, pool our learnings to adapt, and cross the last mile together.Insights: 2023 World Malaria Report
What can we expect as the world experiences the more pronounced effects of climate change? In this spotlight session, speakers will share insights from the newly-released World Malaria Report to offer a snapshot of current trends and progress in global malaria control and elimination efforts.Building Climate-Resilient Health Systems
Climate change is increasing pressure on healthcare systems already straining under disease outbreaks, new conflicts, and uncertainty. Drawing on experience across geographies, and with a special focus on the role of community health workers, panelists will discuss what has worked—and what has not—in efforts to deliver equitable healthcare and reach last-mile communities.Brunch
Leadership Remarks
Innovation Spotlight
Keynote
Financing the Last Mile
The establishment of Health Day at COP28 signals that the world is ready to face the challenges of climate and health together. But where will funding come from, how will it be directed and, critically, are the incentives in place to invest in joint climate-health outcomes? In this final morning session, perspectives will align and collide on how best to leverage financing to accelerate climate and health goals.Closing Remarks
High-level announcements, pledging moments, and the Recognizing Excellence Around Champions of Health (REACH) Awards
Speakers
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE
UAE
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE
Director, Vaccine Development Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Co-Executive Director; Africa Frontline First
Vice President for Health Programs, The Carter Center
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
South Sudan Ministry of Health