As environmental pressures rise, so do public health risks
Health is shaped by where people live—and those environments are under growing strain. Climate change, urbanization, and pollution are driving disease and deepening inequality, disproportionately impacting those already excluded from care, making a healthy environment essential to the right to health.
Working at the intersection of environment and health
Doctors of the World works at the intersection of environment and health—delivering care while addressing the conditions that drive illness. Our approach combines direct medical services, community-based interventions, and advocacy to reduce environmental risks and strengthen health systems. By partnering with local communities, we help build resilience and defend the right to health, even in the most vulnerable settings.
Nepal and the Philippines: Urbanization, inequality, and waste
In Nepal and the Philippines, environmental pressures—from climate shocks to rapid urbanization—are reshaping health risks. In Nepal, communities face floods, air pollution, and shifting disease patterns. In the Philippines, informal urban settlements expose residents to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and environmental hazards. Doctors of the World works with local partners to expand access to primary healthcare, strengthen community health systems, and address the environmental and social factors that impact health outcomes.
Madagascar: Climate, food, and survival
In southern Madagascar, recurring drought and environmental degradation have pushed communities into extreme food insecurity. Malnutrition—especially among women and children—is widespread, with limited access to healthcare compounding the crisis. Doctors of the World supports mobile clinics that often serve as the only source of care, providing nutrition services, maternal and child health support, and community outreach to reach isolated populations. In 2025, their reach was significant, with more than 131,000 people accessing services, the majority of whom were women and girls.