The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has launched a comprehensive strategic framework aimed at addressing the growing health challenges posed by climate change across the continent.
Speaking during the virtual launch on Wednesday, Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya described climate change as a profound and escalating threat to public health in Africa. He highlighted its role in driving extreme weather patterns, altering disease transmission, exacerbating food insecurity, and increasing waterborne illnesses.
According to Dr. Kaseya, a review of over 2,000 public health events in Africa between 2001 and 2021 revealed that 56% were directly linked to climate change. Projections indicate that, if unaddressed, climate change could lead to 14.5 million additional deaths, over two billion healthy life years lost, and $12.5 trillion in global economic losses by 2050.
The newly launched Framework for Climate-Resilient Health Systems outlines a roadmap to help African Union Member States develop robust, adaptive health systems capable of withstanding climate-related shocks. It prioritises evidence-based interventions, cross-sectoral collaboration, and institutional capacity building to ensure long-term public health resilience.
“This framework is not just a document—it is a continental imperative and a call to action,” said Dr. Kaseya. “With the right strategies, partnerships, and investments, we can build a future where health systems are strong, communities are prepared, and the continent is ready to face the health impacts of climate change.”
The framework is anchored on seven guiding principles:
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One Health Approach
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Partnerships and Collaboration
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Sustained Investment
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Advanced Technology and Infrastructure
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Community Engagement
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Accountability and Transparency
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Equity and Inclusion
These pillars are intended to empower governments, policymakers, healthcare providers, and local communities to anticipate and mitigate climate-driven health risks while ensuring inclusivity and fairness in health outcomes.
Dr. Kaseya emphasized the need for strong political commitment, innovative financing, and the deployment of cutting-edge technologies to strengthen climate-health surveillance systems and enhance emergency response capacities.
He also called on African governments, international development partners, and civil society to align their efforts and pool resources in the fight against climate-induced health threats.
“The journey to building climate-resilient health systems will be complex, but a shared vision and collective action can yield transformative results,” he said.
The framework complements Africa CDC’s One Health Strategy and forms a core part of its 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, which aims to reinforce the continent’s public health infrastructure.
Reacting to the development, Public Health Expert Gabriel Adakole told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the framework offers Nigeria a unique opportunity to integrate climate considerations into health planning, improve disease surveillance, and enhance disaster preparedness.
“It provides a guide to policy integration across sectors, fosters equitable health outcomes, and increases access to technical and financial support for vulnerable populations,” Adakole noted.
As Africa continues to confront the worsening health impacts of climate change, the Africa CDC’s strategic framework marks a significant step toward building resilient, inclusive, and responsive public health systems across the continent.
