About us

The Department for Environment, Climate Change, One Health and Migration works to prevent disease and promote health by addressing key areas of environmental health including climate change, clean energy; air quality; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); and chemicals and radiation. Health threats are addressed through a One Health approach that crosses the human, animal, and environmental sectors. It also promotes inclusive health policies and resilient health systems to meet the needs of migrants, refugees and displaced populations.

Our units

Climate Change, Air Quality, Energy and Health

WHO's Climate Change, Air Quality, Energy and Health (CAE) Unit addresses climate change, air pollution, and energy access in an interconnected manner, guiding Member States in developing evidence-based policies to reduce emissions, limit harmful exposure, and build climate-resilient health systems. It fosters cross-sectoral collaboration to deliver tangible health co-benefits. The Unit establishes technical frameworks, monitors progress, builds health sector capacity and shares information to enhance health decision-making.

Chemical, Radiation and Health

The Chemicals, Radiation and Health (CRH) Unit works to protect health from risks associated with hazardous chemicals and exposure to ionizing and non‑ionizing radiation. The Unit provides normative guidance, harmonized risk‑assessment approaches and technical support to Member States on prevention, risk management, and preparedness and response to chemical and radiological events, and promotes health in international governance processes.

Special Initiative on Health and Migration

WHO’s Health and Migration Programme leads WHO’s work on the health dimensions of migration and displacement. Guided by the priorities set in the WHO Global Action plan on Promoting the Health of Refugees and Migrants 2019-2030, PHM works to strengthen inclusive, equitable, and resilient evidence-informed policies, governance, health systems, and public health responses that address the needs and rights of these populations.

The One Health Initiative

Recognizing the close interdependence between the health of humans, animals, plants, ecosystems and the environment. The WHO One Health Initiative works across zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety and health emergencies, environmental risk factors, such as biodiversity loss, land-use change, and noncommunicable diseases. The Initiative acts as the WHO Secretariat for the Quadripartite collaboration between FAO, UNEP, WHO and WOAH, and the One Health High-Level Expert Panel.

Water, Sanitation and Health

The Water, Sanitation and Health Unit works to improve health through safe, equitable and climate-resilient water, sanitation, hygiene and waste services. It develops global norms and standards, strengthens evidence and monitoring, and supports countries to integrate WASH into health systems, disease prevention, climate action and emergency preparedness. Through technical cooperation and partnerships, the Unit helps Member States reduce health risks, advance equity and build resilient communities.