Policy tracker: Two new policies aim at strengthening health systems

The second is Kenya’s first ever climate and health policy launched in October 2025 during the Pan-African Conference on Environment, Climate Change and Health in Nairobi.

The Kenya Climate Change and Health Strategy (2024-2029) provides a comprehensive plan to improve health outcomes and increase community resilience against climate change.

The AHSS Agenda has five main pillars. The first is to strengthen the role of Africa in global health. The second focuses on pandemic prevention and response by uniting disease surveillance, laboratories, public health institutes, emergency teams and volunteers. The African Epidemic Fund will provide quick funding to countries when outbreaks occur.

The third pillar is about sustainable health financing. It encourages African countries to raise more domestic funds and manage resources better. The Lusaka Agenda helps align international aid with Africa’s priorities. The fourth pillar drives digital transformation by connecting health facilities across the continent to improve data collection and decision-making at all levels.

The fifth pillar promotes local production of medical supplies, led by pooled procurement and strong regulation. By 2040, the goal is for Africa to produce at least 60% of vaccines and treatments needed. These pillars build on the New Public Health Order while adding stronger digital systems and a bigger African role in global health decisions.

The Kenya Climate Change and Health Strategy (2024-2029) focuses on seven priority areas to strengthen Kenya’s health systems and protect communities. It promotes clean energy and improved air quality in health facilities, climate-resilient food systems, safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and proper healthcare waste management. Early warning systems and health risk assessments education aim to prepare communities for climate-related health emergencies.

It also emphasises resilient healthcare infrastructure and integrated disease surveillance to maintain services during climate shocks. Research and the One Health approach link human, animal and environmental health. It also outlines how clear governance and performance indicators will ensure accountability.

The countries’ commitment to carry out climate and health vulnerability and adaptation assessments at the COP26 is finally translating to policies.

Emphasis on early warning systems in health is a smart step in ensuring that health systems are strong enough to counter climate-related health challenges.