Africa Unites Against Climate Change: Harare Conference Tackles Health Impacts

By Enia Dube

The Climate & Health Africa Conference has kicked off in Harare, Zimbabwe, bringing together over 500 experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the continent to address the devastating effects of climate change on health. Under the theme “Cultivating Resilience in Health,” the conference aims to confront the alarming reality of climate change’s impact on health in Africa.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, tens of millions of Africans are already feeling the negative health impacts of climate change, including heat stress, extreme weather, and increased transmission of infectious diseases such as malaria, cholera, and dengue fever. The conference will focus on key areas, including infectious disease, heat-related illnesses, nutrition and climate research, and mental health. 

Experts warn that Africa is uniquely vulnerable to the effects of climate change, with risks exacerbated by inadequate healthcare systems, limited access to clean water, poor sanitation, and existing health disparities. The conference seeks to address these challenges through collaborative efforts, innovative solutions, evidence-based policies, and community-led initiatives.

By uniting against climate change, African leaders and experts aim to strengthen healthcare systems, promote sustainable development, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure climate justice. Delegates will engage in rigorous discussions, share best practices, identify actionable steps, and develop a comprehensive plan to mitigate the health impacts of climate change in Africa.