The 6th Global Health Access Conference (GHAC), hosted by Health Care Without Harm in Haiphong, Vietnam, brought together experts to address the intersection of climate and health. With the theme “Transforming Asian Health Systems: A Vision for Equitable, Low-Carbon, Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Healthcare,” the event focused on solutions to climate challenges impacting public health across Asia.

Over three days, participants explored strategies to make healthcare systems more sustainable and equitable. Key discussions covered topics such as resilience, mitigation, plastic pollution, disaster-risk management, and empowering health professionals. The conference was made even more enriching by the fantastic contributions from other speakers and the diverse range of perspectives shared. From government representatives to grassroots advocates, the collaborative spirit of the event was evident throughout.

It was a privilege to contribute to the conference in two key sessions. Moderating a forum on the Plastics Treaty provided an opportunity to explore the environmental and health impacts of plastics in healthcare settings. The discussion focused on strategies to transition to safer, more sustainable alternatives, with valuable insights shared by participants. Later, delivering the keynote during the final plenary session was a real honour. The address highlighted Brunei’s early steps toward sustainable healthcare, emphasising the importance of collaboration and innovation in building resilient and environmentally conscious health systems.

The 6th GHAC was an excellent platform for sharing ideas and fostering partnerships and it was inspiring to be part of such an important effort. For more information, visit the official website here.