Haiti’s Health National Adaptation Plan: A Strategic Framework for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development

Introduction and Alignment with Global Goals

On September 4, 2025, the Republic of Haiti officially presented its Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP), marking a significant advancement in its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The plan, developed through a multi-stakeholder partnership involving the Ministry of Public Health and Population, the Ministry of Environment, and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), directly addresses SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). This collaborative framework, a testament to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), establishes a strategic direction for integrating climate change considerations into national health policy.

Strategic Objectives for 2025–2029

The HNAP outlines five core priorities for the 2025–2029 period, each designed to build a climate-resilient health system and contribute to specific SDG targets:

1. Strengthen Resilience to Climate Change: Enhance the adaptive capacity of the health sector to climate-related hazards, directly supporting the implementation of SDG 13.1.
2. Address Health Vulnerabilities: Mitigate the impacts of climate change on public health, including climate-sensitive diseases, thereby advancing progress towards SDG 3.d on managing national and global health risks.
3. Ensure Effective Governance: Establish robust institutional frameworks and coordination mechanisms, a critical component for achieving SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
4. Mobilize Resources for Implementation: Secure the necessary financial and technical resources to operationalize the plan, aligning with the principles of SDG 17.
5. Monitor and Evaluate Progress: Implement a comprehensive framework to track progress against defined targets, ensuring accountability and effective delivery of SDG-related outcomes.

Intersectoral Collaboration and Governance

A national workshop was convened to validate the HNAP, focusing on institutional synergy and effective governance. Key outcomes that reinforce Haiti’s commitment to the SDGs include:

• A comprehensive review of the plan’s strategic objectives and their intersectoral linkages with the broader National Adaptation Plan.
• An in-depth examination of climate change impacts on health, including increased pressures on health services and the prevalence of climate-sensitive diseases, underscoring the urgency of achieving SDG 3.
• The formal validation of institutional roles and the establishment of a dedicated coordination mechanism to guide implementation, strengthening national institutions as per SDG 16.

Implementation and Forward Path towards Climate Action

With the launch of the HNAP, Haiti has transitioned from strategic planning to concrete action. The immediate focus is on operationalizing the plan to achieve tangible results in line with SDG 13. The next steps are clearly defined:

• Operationalize the newly established coordination mechanism to ensure seamless inter-agency collaboration.
• Maintain a schedule of regular progress reviews to monitor implementation and adapt strategies as needed.
• Develop new project proposals on climate and health for submission to international climate finance mechanisms, such as the Green Climate Fund, to mobilize resources in line with SDG 17.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The article’s central theme is Haiti’s “Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP),” which directly addresses health issues. The plan aims to tackle “health vulnerabilities” and “climate-sensitive diseases,” which are core concerns of SDG 3. The collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) further reinforces the focus on public health.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• The article is explicitly about adapting to climate change. The HNAP is designed to “strengthen resilience to climate change” and address the “impacts of climate change on health.” The entire initiative, from planning to implementation, is a direct response to the threats posed by climate change, aligning perfectly with the objectives of SDG 13.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• The development and implementation of the HNAP are described as a collaborative effort. The article mentions a “national workshop convened by the Ministry of Public Health and Population in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, with technical support from PAHO/WHO.” This inter-ministerial and international cooperation, along with the plan to seek funding from the “Green Climate Fund,” exemplifies the multi-stakeholder partnerships promoted by SDG 17.

Identified Targets

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks.
  • The article states that the HNAP’s purpose is to strengthen resilience by “addressing health vulnerabilities” and dealing with “climate-sensitive diseases.” This plan is a strategic tool for managing health risks associated with climate change, directly contributing to this target.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
  • The article’s primary focus is on the HNAP’s goal to “strengthen resilience to climate change.” This directly aligns with building adaptive capacity to climate-related health hazards.
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
  • The creation and official presentation of the “Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP)” is a clear example of integrating climate change considerations into national health strategy and planning. The article also mentions discussing “intersectoral linkages with the broader National Adaptation Plan.”
• Target 13.b: Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing States.
  • Haiti, as a least developed country and a small island developing state, is receiving “technical support from PAHO/WHO” to develop and implement its HNAP. This support for planning and management capacity is the core of this target.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Target 17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources.
  • The article mentions that “next steps will focus on… developing new project proposals on climate and health, including submissions to the Green Climate Fund.” This is a direct action aimed at mobilizing financial resources for the plan’s implementation.
• Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources.
  • The entire initiative is a partnership between Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Environment, and the international organization PAHO/WHO. The article highlights the establishment of a “coordination mechanism” to guide implementation, demonstrating a multi-stakeholder approach.

Mentioned or Implied Indicators

• Existence of a national adaptation plan: The article’s main subject, the “Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP),” serves as a direct indicator for Target 13.2. Its official presentation and endorsement signify its integration into national policy.
• Mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation: The article explicitly states, “The plan also outlines mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation to track progress.” While the specific metrics are not detailed, the existence of this framework is an indicator of a structured approach to measuring progress.
• Operational coordination mechanism: The article mentions the “validation of institutional roles and the establishment of a coordination mechanism to guide implementation.” The operationalization of this mechanism is a measurable indicator of progress in governance and partnership (Target 17.16).
• Project proposals for funding: The plan to develop “new project proposals on climate and health, including submissions to the Green Climate Fund” is a specific, measurable action. The number and value of submitted or approved proposals can serve as an indicator for resource mobilization (Target 17.3).

SDGs, Targets and Indicators Table

Source: paho.org