As the impacts of climate change intensify across Africa, one truth is very clear: climate change is a health crisis. From severe floods in Nigeria to prolonged droughts in the Horn of Africa, the climate emergency is hitting Africa hard and it’s taking a toll on our health.
Yet, while Africa contributes just 3.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions (UNEP, 2022), we bear a disproportionate share of the burden.
If there was ever a time to strengthen our healthcare systems to withstand climate shocks, that time is now.
Climate Change is Fueling a Health Emergency
We are already seeing the consequences:
- Vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue are expanding to new areas due to rising temperatures.
- Waterborne illnesses such as cholera spike after floods and droughts that damage water systems.
- Malnutrition is on the rise, with over 282 million Africans undernourished (FAO, 2023), driven partly by climate-related crop failures.
- Heat stress, respiratory illnesses, and mental health issues are becoming more frequent, particularly in urban slums and underserved communities.
These impacts are disproportionately felt by the most vulnerable: children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people living in poverty.
Africa’s Health Systems Are Not Ready
Despite facing some of the world’s most extreme climate risks, less than 5% of health facilities in sub-Saharan Africa are climate resilient (WHO, 2021). Many healthcare centers lack:
- Reliable power supply
- Clean water access
- Emergency preparedness
- Trained personnel equipped to handle climate-related health crises
Furthermore, only 28% of African countries have developed climate-informed Health National Adaptation Plans (HNAPs) a key tool for aligning health policy with climate adaptation goals.
What is a Climate-Resilient Health System?
A climate-resilient healthcare system can anticipate, absorb, adapt to, and recover from climate-related shocks all while continuing to provide essential services.
In practice, this means:
✅ Hospitals powered by renewable energy during blackouts
✅ Early warning systems to prevent disease outbreaks
✅ Trained health workers who understand the climate-health nexus
✅ Climate-smart policies that prioritize the most at-risk populations
✅ Infrastructure that can withstand floods, heatwaves, and droughts
The health sector also has an opportunity to lead by example: while healthcare accounts for about 5% of global GHG emissions, Africa can leapfrog into low-carbon, sustainable health solutions.
Building climate-resilient healthcare systems is not just a health imperative, it’s a development and equity priority. Some key actions include:
- Investing in green health infrastructure
- Training the health workforce in climate adaptation
- Integrating climate into national health policies and budgets
- Mobilizing more climate finance for health (currently <1% of total climate funds)
- Strengthening collaboration across sectors (water, agriculture, energy)
Final Thoughts
Africa’s health future depends on our ability to transform challenges into resilience. We have the knowledge, the tools, and growing momentum across governments, NGOs, and civil society. But we need bold leadership, strategic investments, and inclusive solutions that leave no one behind.
Climate-resilient healthcare systems are not a luxury; they are a lifeline for millions across the continent.
Let’s build health systems that are not only responsive to today’s needs but prepared for tomorrow’s climate realities.
What examples have you seen of climate-health innovation in Africa? How can we better support frontline health workers in climate adaptation? Let’s discuss in the comments.
References:
- WHO (2021), UNEP (2022), FAO (2023), IPCC (2022), Lancet Countdown Africa (2023), Africa CDC Framework (2022)
