The process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans (NAPs), established as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) processes, is a key opportunity to integrate health into national climate change planning. Ministries of health are therefore encouraged to develop a standalone health-specific component – the health national adaptation plan (HNAP) – while ensuring integration of health within the overall NAP.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has conducted a global assessment of NAPs (59 NAPs1) and a sample of HNAPs (27 HNAPs2). The aim was to analyse the extent to which health is considered in national adaptation planning processes, to highlight best practices and to provide recommendations for promoting comprehensive integration of health in these processes. This summary outlines the key results. The full report, Health at the heart of national adaptation planning. A global review of national adaptation plans and health national adaptation plans, which will include best practices, case studies, topical deep dives and recommendations, is in preparation.