(Source: PATH)
From the newsletter
A new Lancet report warns that health systems in Africa are unprepared for rising climate threats. It urges governments to invest in early-warning systems for heatwaves, floods, droughts and disease outbreaks. It says better preparedness could protect the most vulnerable, especially young children and older adults.
The report shows that climate change deaths tripled from about 4,000 in 2022 to 15,000 in 2023 and describes the drought in the Horn of Africa (2020–2023) as the worst in the region in 40 years.
The report suggests research as a way to strengthen health surveillance and seeks support for the recently launched Lancet Countdown Africa centre, which generates locally relevant climate-health indicators and data.
More details
According to the report, rising heat is already cutting agricultural labour by an average of 4% of national GDP across Africa, while worsening air pollution contributed to about 1.1 million deaths in 2019. It warns that without better monitoring, early signs of illness, disasters, hunger and displacement will continue to be missed.
The report also highlights how floods and rising temperatures are driving new disease risks across the continent. Changing rainfall patterns are creating favourable conditions for malaria and dengue, while drought-linked malnutrition is weakening children’s immunity. The authors say integrating climate data into routine health planning would help communities prepare earlier and allow clinics to anticipate seasonal surges.
The authors call for clean, reliable energy in hospitals and homes. Nearly half of Africans still lack electricity and more than 80% of household energy comes from burning biomass. The report argues that expanding clean cooking and powering clinics with solar could cut respiratory disease and help health facilities remain functional during storms or power cuts.
They add that stronger African leadership in climate-health research is essential for long-term progress. Most funding still goes to institutions outside the continent, limiting local capacity to generate evidence. The report calls for more investment in African researchers, better data systems, long-term partnerships and planning so countries can track climate impacts, design their own solutions and guide future policy with confidence.
Adaptation funds for Africa still fall well below what governments need and many come as loans that increase debt. The report urges donors to prioritise grants for health protection and encourages African countries to develop climate-ready health plans.
Our take
Timely investment in early-warning systems and local research could save thousands of lives as climate pressures deepen.
Currently, less than 0.5% of multilateral climate finance has been directed toward health sector adaptation since 2004.
This shows a gap in funding, despite growing recognition of the severe health impacts of climate change.