Future-proofing health in Latin America through climate-smart, equitable care

Latin America is known for its vibrant communities, unique cultures and remarkable biodiversity. But this region also sits at the intersection of two pressing challenges: the need to expand access to quality healthcare that can be delivered sustainably amid mounting environmental pressures. As world leaders and changemakers gather for COP30 in Brazil, they must address both climate change and persistent gaps in healthcare access across Latin America.

Despite some recent progress, more than 35% of the population in Latin America and the Caribbean report unmet healthcare needs, an issue that’s even more significant in lower-income communities. For those in rural and remote regions, limited infrastructure and shortages of skilled healthcare professionals make it difficult to obtain even the most basic care.

And with non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases, causing 82% of all deaths in the Latin America region in 2020, the stakes are high. Meanwhile, healthcare systems themselves contribute significantly to environmental problems, accounting for 4%-5% of global CO₂ emissions.

Our health and the planet’s health go hand in hand. As COP30’s Belém Health Action Plan highlights the importance of climate-resilient health systems and the need for equity and participation in climate issues, it’s critical that the industry unites to accelerate collective action and make healthcare part of the climate solution.

The spirit of collaboration and innovation is already evident across Latin America. Partnerships between governments, universities, NGOs and industry are breaking down barriers to care and advancing environmental stewardship. This is setting the stage for real and lasting progress on building climate-resilient health systems across the region.

The Living Lab, a partnership between the Philips Foundation, Philips Brazil and SAS Brasil, is a great example of this. In its first year alone, the Living Lab reached over 54,000 patients in some of the most remote areas of Brazil, including Amazonian communities only accessible by river. The initiative trained public nurses to perform vital procedures such as ultrasound and telecolposcopy, expanding access to essential women’s health services previously limited to specialized physicians.

The Living Lab has also brought cervical cancer screening directly to indigenous women in the Amazon, eliminating the need for days-long boat journeys and proving that telehealth can be a real force for inclusion and equity. In Northeast Brazil, data shows that in a study of 4,642 teleconsultations, 86.6% avoided in-person referrals, saving patients time, distance and travel-related CO₂ emissions.

These digital health models are supporting both people and the planet. And similar projects in Peru, Argentina and Colombia are using portable technology and upskilling healthcare professionals to expedite diagnoses and treatment in the hardest to reach areas.

Collaboration is also transforming diagnostics. In Bahia, one of Brazil’s largest states, a partnership between the state government, Philips and a diagnostics consortium has established a centralized radiology centre and deployed 44 advanced imaging systems across 12 hospitals. With BRL$120 million invested in infrastructure, this project enabled over 500,000 diagnostic tests in just one year, with more than 3.5 million people benefiting from improved access to early screening and diagnosis over the following decade.

Other healthcare leaders across Brazil and the wider region are also embracing this spirit of collaboration. More than 40% are already partnering with health technology companies and 33% are working with educational institutions. Government entities, insurers and payers are also recognized as vital allies (both at 44%), particularly for improving the timeliness and quality of care. These collaborations are helping to modernize public hospitals, integrate advanced technologies and drive both financial sustainability and better health outcomes.

Collaboration can also support climate-resilient health systems. In an open letter to world leaders ahead of COP30, the World Economic Forum’s Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders highlighted the commercial viability of the climate economy and urged both businesses and policy-makers to seize the opportunity for greater returns, resilience and growth. Between 2019 and 2023, Alliance members reduced emissions by 12% and increased revenue by 20%, proving that collaborative efforts are already delivering real environmental and economic impact.

This progress shows what’s possible. It also underscores the opportunity for healthcare to lead on climate action.

Environmental sustainability is also reshaping healthcare technology across Latin America. There has been an increase in eco-designed medical systems, circular economy models that refurbish equipment for extended use and advanced imaging solutions that minimize reliance on non-renewable resources. This shows how refurbished equipment can make high-quality care more affordable and accessible, while supporting hospitals’ sustainability goals.

Philips’ growing portfolio of energy-efficient, circular and EcoDesigned products is reducing healthcare’s carbon and waste in hospitals. For example, MRI systems with Philips BlueSeal technology use just 0.5% of the helium required by a conventional Philips MR system, addressing both costs and environmental concerns.

Broader, more lasting impact and progress will rely on collaboration. As COP30 calls for equitable, climate-resilient health systems, it's time for healthcare leaders, policy-makers, clinicians and suppliers to champion energy-efficient innovations, embrace circular solutions and build strong partnerships to create lasting change for future generations.

Through innovative thinking and bold collaboration, healthcare can lead the way in delivering better care to more people, while protecting the world we all share.