Climate change is a defining global challenge of the 21st century, and its repercussions are being acutely felt in Africa, a continent disproportionately vulnerable to its effects. While the environmental consequences of climate change are widely recognized, its significant impact on public health in Africa is often underestimated. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events exacerbate existing health issues and create new threats for populations already burdened by poverty and weak healthcare systems. This article explores the intersection of climate change and public health in Africa, drawing on key data to highlight the urgency of the issue.
How Climate Change Impacts Public Health
Africa is one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change due to its geographic exposure and lower capacity to adapt. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the continent has already experienced temperature increases of 0.7°C to 1.0°C since the early 20th century, with further warming projected at 1.5°C to 4.0°C by the end of this century, depending on global emissions scenarios . This rise in temperature is closely linked to shifts in disease patterns, nutritional deficiencies, and increased mortality from climate-related events.
Climate-Sensitive Diseases
One of the most direct pathways through which climate change impacts public health is through the spread of climate-sensitive diseases. Vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya, are among the most affected by changing weather patterns. As reported in the World Malaria Report by the World Health Organization, Africa accounted for approximately 94% of all malaria cases and 95% of malaria-related deaths in 2022. More than half of these deaths occurred in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Mozambique. Malaria, which claims over 400,000 lives annually in Africa, is highly sensitive to climate conditions. Warmer temperatures foster mosquito breeding, while unpredictable rainfall creates stagnant water pools, accelerating mosquito proliferation and contributing to the disease’s spread.
Similarly, warmer temperatures and increased humidity provide favourable conditions for the spread of cholera, which remains endemic in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. Cholera outbreaks are directly linked to flooding and inadequate sanitation, both of which are intensified by extreme weather events such as cyclones and heavy rains. Dengue fever and Chikungunya which are transmitted by aedes mosquitoes are becoming more prevalent in Africa due to changing climate conditions that extend the habitat range of these vectors.
Other climate-sensitive diseases include respiratory diseases which are exacerbated by climate change as it affects air quality. Increased pollution and dust storms, especially in arid regions, contribute to respiratory problems. Additionally, climate change can cause flooding and alter rainfall patterns, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and other diarrheal illnesses due to contaminated water supplies.
Food Security and Nutrition
Climate change also threatens public health by undermining food security and nutrition, particularly in Africa’s agricultural-dependent economies. Africa’s agriculture is predominantly rain-fed, and the continent is highly susceptible to droughts, floods, and other climate-induced disruptions. In 2023, UNICEF reports that Africa is home to over 250 million people facing food insecurity, a figure that has been increasing due to the growing frequency and severity of climate shocks.
Droughts, in particular, have devastating effects on crop yields, leading to lower food production and higher prices. Countries such as Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya, which have recently experienced consecutive droughts, have seen increased rates of malnutrition, particularly among children under five years of age. Malnutrition, in turn, weakens immune systems and increases susceptibility to diseases such as diarrhoea, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.
Heat-Related Mortality and Morbidity
Rising temperatures, particularly heatwaves, are another major public health concern in Africa. Heatwaves worsen pre-existing health issues, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, which are prevalent in Africa due to urban air pollution and increasing industrialization. The IPCC reports that heat-related deaths could increase by up to 30% in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, particularly in densely populated urban areas such as Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg .
Older populations, young children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat. Furthermore, inadequate access to cooling infrastructure and limited public awareness of heat-related risks contribute to higher morbidity and mortality rates.
Vulnerable Populations and Inequality
The health impacts of climate change are not felt equally across Africa. Vulnerable populations, including the poor, children, the elderly, and people living in informal settlements, bear the brunt of climate-related health risks. Rural communities, where access to healthcare services is limited, are especially vulnerable to disease outbreaks and food insecurity, while urban slum dwellers face risks from flooding, heatwaves, and waterborne diseases.
Gender inequality also plays a significant role in shaping the health impacts of climate change. Women, particularly those in rural areas, are more likely to be affected by food and water scarcity, as they are primarily responsible for water collection and household nutrition. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlights that women’s health is disproportionately impacted by climate-induced stress, as they have less access to healthcare services, financial resources, and decision-making processes .
Solutions: Strengthening Public Health Resilience
Addressing the public health impacts of climate change in Africa requires an merged approach that focuses on building resilience in healthcare systems and addressing the root causes of vulnerability. Here are some key solutions:
- Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
African healthcare systems need to be climate-resilient, with investments in early warning systems for disease outbreaks, improved surveillance of climate-sensitive diseases, and enhanced capacity to respond to health emergencies. Governments and international organizations must also invest in health infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where the healthcare gap is most significant. - Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Security
Supporting climate-smart agricultural practices, such as drought-resistant crops, improved irrigation techniques, and agroforestry, can enhance food security and reduce malnutrition. Regional cooperation on food security policies, along with increased investment in agricultural innovation, will be critical in mitigating the effects of climate-induced food shortages. - Education and Public Awareness
Raising public awareness about the health risks posed by climate change and promoting behavioural changes, such as the use of mosquito nets to prevent malaria, are essential. Additionally, public health campaigns aimed at improving nutrition, sanitation, and hygiene can help reduce the spread of waterborne diseases. - Urban Planning and Heat Mitigation
To address heat-related health risks, urban areas need to adopt heat mitigation strategies, such as planting more trees, creating green spaces, and improving building designs to enhance ventilation and cooling. Developing early warning systems for heat waves will also help protect vulnerable populations. - Climate and Health Policy Integration
Governments should integrate climate adaptation strategies into national health policies. This includes setting up dedicated climate and health units within ministries of health and ensuring that public health goals are aligned with climate resilience efforts. International partnerships and funding from climate finance mechanisms, such as the Green Climate Fund, can support these initiatives.
Conclusion
The intersection of climate change and public health in Africa represents a growing challenge that requires immediate and sustained action. As temperatures continue to rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, the health of millions of Africans is at risk. Through coordinated efforts to strengthen healthcare systems, enhance food security, and promote climate resilience, Africa can mitigate the worst public health impacts of climate change and build a healthier, more sustainable future.
