Infectious diseases and public health epidemiologist Dr. Ishaku Akyala, speaking with Science Nigeria, emphasized the dire consequences of climate change on public health in Africa. He highlighted how extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves are significantly increasing disease burdens and fatalities across the continent. These impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations such as the poor, women, and children, who struggle with waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and mental health issues.
Akyala stressed the urgent need for action to address these health challenges and implement strategies to mitigate climate change’s effects. He advocated for enhanced sensitization efforts to educate health systems, governments, and professionals about the intricate relationship between climate change and human health. Interdisciplinary research is crucial for understanding and tackling climate-related health impacts effectively. Raising awareness among the public and policymakers is essential, as governments and health systems must implement coping and adaptation strategies. These strategies should focus on improving water and food security, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and strengthening disease surveillance and response systems.
Despite Africa’s vulnerability to climate change, Akyala emphasized the importance of prioritizing recommended actions to better prepare for and mitigate its health impacts. This approach is crucial for safeguarding the well-being of African populations and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to environmental sustainability. Recent reports from organizations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and agreements like the Paris Agreement underscore the urgent need for action to address climate-related disasters in Africa. Sensitizing public health systems and policymakers to these challenges and understanding the link between climate change and human health are vital for effective preparedness and response efforts.
The African Research (AR) Index is a comprehensive scholarly directory and database focused explicitly on journal publishers that publish and disseminate African research.
