Category: Inside Africa

As climate change continues to intensify health challenges across Africa, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has unveiled a strategic framework to help countries respond effectively to the growing threats.

The new plan, launched during a webinar on Wednesday, outlines how rising temperatures, extreme weather events, poor air quality, and shifting disease patterns, such as the spread of cholera and malaria, are already impacting millions on the continent.

Director-General of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, described climate change as “one of the biggest public health challenges of our time,” noting that between 2001 and 2021, over 56 per cent of disease outbreaks in Africa were linked to climate-related events.

“Climate change could lead to 14.5 million additional deaths, over two billion healthy life years lost, and an estimated $12.5 trillion in economic losses globally by 2050,” he said. “It is not just an environmental problem; it is a health emergency.”

The newly launched framework, he said, offers a clear roadmap for African Union Member States to build climate-resilient health systems and protect vulnerable populations through better planning, stronger collaboration, and increased investments.

According to Dr. Kaseya, the strategy is anchored on seven core principles aimed at guiding countries in their response to the health effects of climate change.

The first is the One Health Approach, which recognises the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. It encourages coordinated efforts across all three areas to prevent and manage climate-related health crises such as zoonotic diseases.

The second pillar—Partnerships and Collaboration- calls for cooperation across borders and sectors. It highlights the importance of uniting public health, agriculture, environment, and emergency services to build stronger, faster responses.

Sustained Investment is the third principle. Dr. Kaseya emphasised the need for long-term funding to strengthen infrastructure, healthcare workforce training, and climate preparedness.

Fourth, the framework supports the use of Advanced Technology and Infrastructure to monitor and respond to climate-health risks. Tools like data analytics, surveillance systems, and early warning tools are considered critical in preventing large-scale outbreaks.

Fifth, Community Engagement is seen as essential. The framework stresses that local populations, particularly those in high-risk areas, must be involved in planning and emergency response efforts.

Transparency and Accountability form the sixth guiding principle. Africa CDC is urging governments and health bodies to maintain open communication, accurate reporting, and data sharing to ensure collective responsibility and trust.

The final pillar, Equity and Inclusion, aims to ensure that vulnerable groups, such as women, children, the elderly, and people living in poverty, have equal access to healthcare and climate adaptation resources.

“This framework is more than a document. It is a continental imperative and a call to action. With the right strategies, partnerships, and investments, Africa can build a future where health systems are robust, communities are empowered, and the health impacts of climate change are effectively managed.” Dr. Kaseya said.

The launch comes at a time when African nations, including Nigeria, are increasingly dealing with the health fallout of climate events, floods, heatwaves, and food insecurity.

Reacting to the development, public health expert Dr. Gabriel Adakole described the framework as timely and useful for countries like Nigeria.

He said it offers practical steps for building resilience in the face of growing climate-induced health risks.

“This roadmap helps us prepare for climate-linked diseases, build stronger surveillance systems, and protect people in disaster-prone areas. It also promotes better coordination between sectors, improves access to funding and technical support, and ensures no community is left behind.” He said.

He stressed that by aligning with the framework, Nigeria could improve disaster preparedness and deliver more sustainable, inclusive public health responses.

The framework is part of the broader Africa CDC 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, which includes the One Health Strategy to strengthen public health systems across the continent.

With experts warning that climate-related health emergencies will worsen if left unaddressed, the Africa CDC is urging all African governments and partners to adopt the framework without delay.