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Reliable power remains a major barrier to healthcare delivery in Africa. Three-quarters of health facilities face electricity gaps in Mali. A new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) finds that decentralised solar systems could bridge the gap, estimating a total investment of $42 million to electrify primary and referral health centres.
In the report, IRENA notes that limited use of medical equipment, unreliable vaccine refrigeration and inadequate lighting for critical care are further intensified by climate change. Extreme weather events disrupt health services and increase the incidence of diseases.
The study highlights the business opportunity in climate-resilient health systems. “Investing in health facilities’ solar-powered electricity access will improve health outcomes and strengthen rural development and resilience.”
Our take: The electrification of Mali’s health facilities creates clear entry points for renewable energy companies, suppliers and investors to scale decentralised solar in fragile markets…Read more (2 min)
Malaria is evolving fast, with mosquitoes changing transmission patterns due to climate change. Experts stress that new tools and faster timelines will help protect vulnerable communities. In an exclusive interview with Healthcare Rising, Krystal Birungi explains how gene drive, a new tool against malaria reduces mosquito reproduction and controls spread.
“This innovative genetic approach has the potential to reduce malaria-carrying mosquito populations drastically and, in doing so, reduce transmission of the disease itself. Our work focuses on reducing the population of Anopheles mosquitoes, the primary vectors of malaria.” says Krystal Birungi, a Research and Outreach Associate at Target Malaria Uganda.
Gene drive, unlike other malaria innovations, depends on strong community trust. Target Malaria is engaging communities through long-term village relationships, consultations, interactive theatre in local languages, visual presentations and radio and broadcast programmes to ensure people are informed and involved in the research.
Read the full Q&A here…Read more (2 min)
The second Africa Climate Summit opened in Addis Ababa on 8 September with petitions to position health as a major climate investment. In a pre-summit briefing organised by Amref Health Africa, speakers stressed that health evidence must be integrated into climate finance negotiations and national climate change adaptation plans.
“Health is the human face of climate change. We are spending money where we are not supposed to be spending. Cholera cases are rising, health systems are being weakened and people are dying because of climate change.” said Dr Martin Muchangi, director of population, health and environment at Amref Health Africa
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the direct climate-related damage costs to health, excluding costs in health-determining sectors such as agriculture, water and sanitation, will reach $2 billion to $4 billion per year by 2030.
Our take: Only seven countries in Africa have developed comprehensive climate-health vulnerability assessments, agreed in 2021…Read more (2 min)
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WHO chief says mpox outbreak in Africa is no longer a global health emergency
Events
🗓️ Participate in the World Health Expo in Kenya (October 6)
🗓️ Attend the Healthcare Innovation Summit in South Africa (October 22)
🗓️ Attend the International Conference on Public Health in SA (October 24)
Jobs
🧑⚕️ Be the next National Advocacy Coordinator at Amref (Kenya)
🧑⚕️ Apply for the Public Health Field Program Monitor at ZemiTek (Uganda)
🧑⚕️ Become a Med-Access Consultant at Resolve To Save Lives (Nigeria)
Various
💉 Japan backs Africa’s health future at TICAD
💉 Thato Schermer digitises women’s healthcare in South Africa
💉 Africa’s tentative start in mass vaccine production
Seen on LinkedIn
Mimi Kalinda, the founder of Africa Communications Media Group, says, “The pandemic reminded us that Africa needs strong, homegrown health systems that don’t depend on delayed foreign aid or outside emergency interventions.”