By Abdullahi Lukman
The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has unveiled a new strategic framework aimed at addressing the growing health challenges posed by climate change across the continent.
The launch, held via webinar on Wednesday, featured remarks from Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya, who described climate change as a critical public health threat.
Dr. Kaseya highlighted that climate change is already intensifying extreme weather events, altering disease patterns, and exacerbating food insecurity and waterborne illness outbreaks in Africa.
Reviewing over 2,000 public health events between 2001 and 2021, he noted that 56% were linked to climate-related factors.
The framework provides a comprehensive roadmap to build climate-resilient health systems and communities by enhancing institutional capacity and fostering cross-sector collaboration among African Union member states.
It emphasizes seven guiding principles: One Health Approach, Partnerships, Sustained Investment, Advanced Technology, Community Engagement, Accountability, and Equity.
Kaseya called for strong political will, innovative financing, and advanced technology to monitor climate-health connections and respond effectively to emerging threats.
He urged governments, partners, and stakeholders to unite their efforts in combating climate-induced health risks.
Public health expert Dr. Gabriel Adakole praised the framework’s potential to help countries like Nigeria strengthen early warning systems, integrate policies across sectors, and improve disaster preparedness.
He stressed its role in promoting equitable and sustainable health responses for vulnerable populations.
The initiative aligns with Africa CDC’s broader One Health Strategy and 2023–2027 Strategic Plan to strengthen public health infrastructure and resilience amid the worsening effects of global warming on the continent.
