Climate change drives the spread of diseases and undermines food security. Illness is taking new paths in Africa. Changing weather patterns create new breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects and allow existing maladies to reach new regions. Studies have already shown that malaria and dengue fever rise in line with temperatures. More than a million Africans now die every year prematurely from air pollution. Ever increasing floods in Lagos cause 50% of the hospitalisations due to water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. A new study now details additional links between disease and climate change in Africa. It says, “Climate change disproportionately affects the vulnerable, who are least equipped to handle its consequences, by exacerbating their situation. One such consequence is the potential for increased human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission.” Read more

Many drugs are delivered not by the makers but by independent operators. They are responsible for cold chains and reaching supply chain end-points. To be sustainable, stakeholders and consumers are urging the industry to adopt sustainable practices. This pressure is evident in the calls for decreased environmental impact at every stage of the drug production process, from sourcing raw materials and manufacturing to waste disposal. Investors are placing greater importance on companies with substantial environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, while consumers prefer medications dedicated to sustainability. Read more

 … is the ratio that foetal stress increases for every 1°C (1.8°F) rise in temperature, according to a study conducted on African pregnant farmers. Such a scenario is attributed to the effects of climate change.

Exposure to high and low ambient temperatures increases the risk of neonatal mortality, according to a report in the respected periodical Nature. It uses demographic and health survey data from 29 low- and middle-income countries to estimate the temperature-related burden of neonatal deaths between 2001 and 2019 that is attributable to climate change. It finds that across all countries, 4.3% of neonatal deaths were associated with non-optimal temperatures. Climate change was responsible for 32% of heat-related neonatal deaths, while reducing the respective cold-related burden by 30%. Climate change has impacted temperature-related neonatal deaths in all study countries, with most pronounced climate-induced losses from increased heat and gains from decreased cold observed in countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Future increases in global mean temperatures are expected to exacerbate the heat-related burden, which calls for ambitious mitigation and adaptation measures to safeguard the health of newborns.

Foundations and charities are advocating for policies that incentivise sustainable practices throughout the drug lifecycle. They are crucial in research, focusing on areas like developing climate-resilient crops for drug ingredients and creating affordable healthcare solutions for vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by climate-driven health issues. They support the industry to adapt to prioritise environmental responsibility and equitable access to medication. Read more

Research from the World Economic Forum is suggesting that African-led health tech innovations have improved the lives of millions of patients. Yet it states that systemic change in global health procurement is needed if more local innovators are to succeed. Greater stakeholder collaboration and investment in innovation is likely to help drive sustainable health impact.

In response to calls from the African Union and pharmaceutical-sector players, the AfDB has taken a leadership role to consolidate Africa’s aspirations in the climate era. It has created a continental “Africa 2030 Vision and Action Plan” to close the policy gap for African countries, regional development communities and health and pharmaceutical institutions. It will provide an integrated platform for the pharmaceutical sector having laid out strategic, economic and public health rationales.

Every day, we scrutinise African and global media for news regarding the nexus of climate and health in Africa. Below are snippets. To read more, please click here.

A Zipline drone delivery service operator loading essential medicines and vaccines for supply to distant clinics which may become inaccessible in the event of extreme weather