1. How the flow of money reveals a key flaw in medical responses to climate change

Climate startups and med-tech ventures often labour in mutual isolation. New ideas are stuck on one or other side of a fence. The disconnect between the medical sector and the green economy may be the biggest hurdle to tackling the health crisis stemming from climate change. Both are growing fast, solving problems, but neither sees the other as a partner. There are exceptions, but they only prove the point that much is missing. Investment in climate-tech in the first half of 2023 was $530 million while medtech raised $390 million. Yet the overlap was minimal. Out of 313 African projects that received climate funding between 2009 and 2019, only two targeted the health sector. Even though sub-Saharan Africa will shoulder 80% of the global healthcare adaptation costs, very few medical investments directly address climate impact. Read more

2. Drug makers are beginning to see climate change as a commercial opportunity in Africa

The pharmaceutical industry is starting to adjust its approach and take advantage of new market opportunities from climate change. Medical device manufacturers are already meeting increasing demand for telemedicine solutions in remote areas in Africa. Belatedly, pharmaceutical companies are following suit. Bayer, the German pharma giant, is collaborating with mobile health clinics and local healthcare providers in Africa to expand access to quality healthcare services and to bring essential healthcare services directly to remote communities. Read more

3. Today’s Number

.. is the rate of emerging pathogens known to cause epidemics affecting humans that are of zoonotic origin and hence often linked with climate change and weather events.

4. Logistics summit debates medical solutions for rising temperatures on the continent

Perishable Logistics Africa 2024, an international summit on the continent, focused on “Future proofing perishable logistics through cold chain and packaging innovations.” Distribution of drugs in cold chains by road and in clinics is made harder by climate change in Africa. Cold chain infrastructure is underdeveloped on the continent, already leading to over 40% in loss of produce between harvesting and consumption. Sub-Saharan regions require more than 250 additional Cooling Degrees Days (CDD), a measure of the efforts needed. On top of rising temperatures, extreme weather events such as floods and hurricanes will also disrupt pharma supply chains. Damaged infrastructure and disrupted transport networks hinder the delivery of raw materials as well as finished drugs. Long stretches of roads and rail lines in Tanzania are exposed to extreme flooding. Climate-related supply chain issues contribute to $35 billion in annual losses experienced already by the global drug industry.

5. African health providers turn to UN agency for climate cooperation

Health sector actors, led by organisations such as Amref Health Africa, are engaging in global climate negotiations to integrate health into climate policies and plans. They stress the continent's vulnerability and advocate robust, locally-driven health systems to mitigate the impact. At the just-ended 77th World Health Assembly (WHA 77) in Geneva, Switzerland, the 194 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a historic resolution on Climate Change and Health. Climate change is altering disease patterns and complicating service delivery. Extreme weather events like droughts and floods increase the prevalence of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and cholera. The recently adopted WHO Climate Change and Health Resolution is important  because it emphasises the need for climate-resilient health services and reducing climate-related morbidity and mortality. 

6. Progress in the use of drones attracts funders for humanitarian aid in Africa

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are changing some forms of healthcare delivery in sub-Saharan Africa by addressing the critical "last mile" challenge. For-profit and impact funders are taking note. Recent projects such as Wingcopter in Malawi and Zipline in Rwanda and Ghana have demonstrated the transformative potential of drones in delivering life-saving medicines, vaccines, and blood to remote areas. Despite regulatory and funding hurdles, these initiatives are overcoming infrastructure limitations, improving access to essential healthcare services, and reducing medical supply shortages. By leveraging drone technology, African countries are enhancing their healthcare systems, ensuring timely delivery of critical supplies, and building trust within communities.

7. Experts call for treating climate crisis as “one indivisible“ health emergency

In a joint editorial, over 200 health journals urge global leaders to recognize climate change and biodiversity loss as one interconnected crisis that poses a severe threat to human health. The impacts of climate change, such as rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and pollution, are exacerbating health issues like waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and mental health disorders. These environmental changes disrupt social and economic systems, leading to increased poverty, migration, and conflict. The editorial calls for immediate international action to address this indivisible crisis, highlighting the need for integrated solutions that benefit both the environment and public health. By treating climate and nature as a unified global health emergency, the world can work towards mitigating catastrophic health outcomes and ensuring a sustainable future.

8. Media Monitoring

Every day, we scrutinise African and global media for news regarding the nexus of climate and health in Africa. Below are snippets.

• Climate-induced demand growth for pharmaceuticals in Africa bumps up against weight-loss drugs

• East African new severe weather preparedness will benefit medical responses

• East African health systems struggle to manage fallout from floods

• Climate change gives push for local manufacturing in the African health sector.

Read more

9. Picture of the Day 

Women in DR Congo, which has Africa’s largest carbon sinks, receiving dignity kits from UNFPA