The inaugural Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC 2024) is taking place from October 29 to 31 in Harare, Zimbabwe. This conference aims to integrate Africa into the global discussion on climate change and health. Over 400 representatives from 54 African countries, including government officials, health experts, and researchers, are attending.
Purpose of CHAC 2024
CHAC 2024 addresses the urgent health impacts of climate change in Africa. The continent faces a high burden of climate-sensitive diseases and limited adaptive capacity. The conference serves as a platform to share innovations and best practices for enhancing climate resilience in health. It aims to incorporate research evidence into understanding climate health mechanisms and develop effective adaptation strategies.
Key Themes
The conference focuses on several key areas:
- About the health impacts of climate change.
- Developing equitable climate research.
- Translating research into actionable policy.
- Redefining Africa’s health approach in the context of climate change.
Expected Outcomes
CHAC 2024 aims to produce outcomes, including:
- Scientific publications.
- An African Health and Climate Declaration.
- Action plans for implementation.
- New partnerships and funding commitments.
Africa’s Climate Challenges
Africa suffers disproportionately from climate change effects, including droughts, cyclones, and floods. Despite contributing only 3% of global carbon emissions, the continent faces severe consequences. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that over 800 million Africans are food insecure. The African Development Bank estimates climate-related losses between $289.2 billion to $440.5 billion annually.
Health Implications of Climate Change
Research shows that climate change is linked to various health problems. Droughts impact human health, especially in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel. These regions experience frequent droughts, exacerbating health issues due to low adaptive capacity. For example, the HIV crisis in Eswatini is worsened by climate change, affecting treatment access and care.
CHANCE Networking
Concurrent with CHAC 2024 is the Climate and Health Africa Network for Collaboration and Engagement (CHANCE). This initiative promotes networking among researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders focused on climate and health. CHANCE facilitates:
- Knowledge exchange and information sharing.
- Collaboration on climate and health research.
- Advocacy for evidence-based policy development.
- Access to climate financing.
Host and Collaborators
The conference is hosted by the Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe (CeSHHAR) in collaboration with the Zimbabwean Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife and the Ministry of Health and Childcare. The theme is “Cultivating Resilience in Health,” focusing on unified and equitable strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation in Africa. Leading scientists from around the world are participating, sharing insights on the impacts of climate change on health.
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