At the recent Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, leaders and experts converged to address a critical issue: the intersection of climate change and public health on the African continent.
Africa faces the harshest impacts of climate change despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions. From extreme weather events like cyclones and droughts to shifts in ecosystems and agriculture, the continent is grappling with unprecedented challenges.
These climate shifts are not just environmental—they're also health crises. Increased globalization and urbanization have blurred the lines between human and animal habitats, facilitating the emergence and spread of diseases. For instance, the aftermath of Cyclone Idai in 2019 saw a cholera outbreak in Mozambique, exacerbated by the cyclone's devastation.
Similarly, prolonged droughts in the Horn of Africa have led to water scarcity, reduced agricultural yields, and loss of grazing lands, resulting in food shortages and malnutrition among vulnerable communities.
Access to clean water and sanitation is further compromised during such climate events, hindering essential hygiene practices and increasing disease transmission.
Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires a comprehensive approach. The \"One Health\" strategy emphasizes collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. By understanding the interconnectedness of these domains, sustainable solutions to climate-related health threats can be developed.
Africa CDC is championing this approach, focusing on zoonotic diseases, food safety, climate change, and antimicrobial resistance. By working with countries and regional centers, Africa CDC is building capacity and fostering collaboration to effectively prevent and respond to climate-induced public health crises. This initiative aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the AU Africa Health Strategy, paving the way for integrated health solutions across the continent.
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'One Health' approach to overcome public health challenges in Africa
cgtn.com
