Climate Health in Africa Takes Center Stage: Harare Declaration

The article from the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region, titled “African health ministers, delegates adopt declaration on climate change and health,” emphasises the urgent need to address the health impacts of climate change. During the first Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC), health ministers and delegates from 20 African countries adopted the Harare Declaration, which focuses on enhancing climate resilience within health systems to tackle these profound health impacts.

Adoption of the Harare Declaration

At the CHAC, health ministers and representatives from 20 African nations adopted the Harare Declaration. This declaration aims to enhance climate resilience within health systems and combat the severe health impacts of climate change on the continent.

Call for Collaborative Action in Africa

The Harare Declaration urges immediate and collaborative action from various stakeholders, including governments, academic institutions, funding agencies, and civil society. The focus is on combating the detrimental health effects of climate change and improving the overall well-being of African populations.

Alignment with WHO Framework

This declaration aligns with the WHO framework for building climate-resilient and sustainable health systems in the African region. Health ministers and representatives from countries engaged in the WHO-led Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health Initiative (ATACH) have endorsed it.

Health Impacts of Climate Change in Africa

Africa is facing an increasing burden of climate-sensitive diseases. In 2023, there was a 14% rise in malaria transmissions, potentially putting 147-171 million people at risk by 2030. Cholera outbreaks linked to natural disasters resulted in 836,600 cases between January 2023 and March 2024. Other significant health impacts include malnutrition and widespread population displacement.

Comprehensive Strategy

The Harare Declaration presents a comprehensive strategy for addressing these challenges. Key components include:
– Bolstering research and knowledge creation by investing in studies assessing climate change’s specific impacts on health in Africa.
– Improving policy and decision-making by integrating climate change factors into national health policies and strategies.
– Enhancing surveillance and early warning systems to monitor climate-related health risks, allowing for timely responses.
– Strengthening health systems to build climate resilience by enhancing infrastructure capacity and providing necessary workforce training.

International Collaboration

The WHO Regional Office for Africa partnered with the Wellcome Trust to hold a high-level meeting aimed at promoting collaboration among health and climate stakeholders. This meeting assessed countries’ implementation of previous Conference of the Parties (COP) commitments and outlined a roadmap for addressing climate and health in Africa.

Commitments and Support

A total of 29 African countries have joined ATACH, demonstrating their commitment to safeguarding their populations’ health and well-being. The WHO and other partners are providing the necessary technical and financial support for the declaration’s implementation and tracking progress.

Overall, the Harare Declaration signifies a move towards addressing the health impacts of climate change in Africa. It highlights the necessity for coordinated action, robust health systems, and integrated methods to mitigate and adapt to the health emergencies posed by climate change.