Doctors in Nigeria have established a connection between climate change and poor maternal outcomes in the country. They argue that the effects of climate change, such as heatwaves, displacement, food insecurity, air pollution, and natural disasters, hinder proper care for women during pregnancy and after childbirth.
While considerable attention has been given to climate change's impact on agriculture, infrastructure, and general health, its detrimental effects on maternal health remain largely under-explored, despite their critical importance.
Climate change poses significant threats to maternal health by exacerbating existing vulnerabilities, including gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, preterm birth, and stillbirth.
Out take: To mitigate climate-related maternal mortality, it is essential to involve the private sector in renewable energy, telemedicine, and drone technology…Read more (2 min)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is now playing a crucial role in tackling the root causes of hunger in Africa by providing scalable and sustainable methods to enhance agricultural productivity. Climate change has intensified food insecurity across the continent, resulting in lower immunity, slower physical development and even death.
AI assists farmers in adapting to climate-induced droughts by offering real-time guidance on water and crop management, thereby lessening the effects of climate-related hunger.
By using local languages, some AI tools enhance smallholder farmers’ resilience to hunger despite challenges such as limited connectivity.
Our take: Private sector companies have an opportunity to invest in AI-driven agricultural solutions across Africa… Read more (2 min)
Nairobi is updating its greenhouse gas inventory to track emissions causing respiratory illnesses and premature births. These emissions contribute to around 2,500 deaths yearly, says Governor Johnson Sakaja. The initiative aims to address the city's growing health crisis and improve public health outcomes.
Air pollution in Africa is a significant health cost, contributing to an estimated 1 million deaths annually, with many of these deaths attributed to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, heart disease, stroke and lung cancer.
The health costs of air pollution translate to economic losses due to reduced workforce productivity, increased healthcare expenditures, and potential impacts on tourism.
Our take: Nairobi, the Green Capital of Africa, attracts global environmental attention, providing Kenya with strong support to combat air pollution…Read more (2 min)
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The United Nations Environmental Programme installing an air quality monitor at the University of Nairobi in Kenya.
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Suzyo Nkhowani, a medical doctor from Zambia, says, “Africa’s health crisis goes beyond the obvious. Lessons we’ve learned extend beyond our own business, they reflect a larger truth: Africa's health resilience lies in local manufacturing.”
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