• Version
• Download 29
• File Size 14.39 MB
• File Count 1
• Create Date 7 July 2025
• Last Updated 7 July 2025

Climate Change and Health: Strategic Framework 2025

Climate change is a global crisis with profound and far-reaching impacts on human well-being and the environment. It presents one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time with disproportionate impacts that are increasingly evident across the African continent. Globally, Climate change is projected to cause an additional 14.5 million deaths, over 2 billion healthy life years lost and $12.5 trillion in economic losses by 2050. In Africa, a review of the over 2,000 public health events between 2001 and 2021 indicates that 56% are linked to climate change. Extreme weather events, shifting disease patterns, food insecurity, and waterborne illnesses are intensifying, posing significant risks to the health and well-being of communities. It is against this backdrop that the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has developed the Strategic Framework for Climate Change and Health, a comprehensive roadmap designed to address the intersection of climate and health through coordinated, evidence-based actions.

This framework represents a pivotal step in the Africa CDC’s mission to safeguard public health by fostering a unified approach across the continent for building climate- resilient health systems and communities. It emphasizes the critical need for robust institutional arrangements, drawing on Africa CDC’s existing structures at the continental, regional, and national levels. By adopting a comprehensive approach that integrates a holistic measures, the inclusive framework ensures that every level of society, from policymakers to community members, is equipped to respond to climate-related health challenges.

Key to the success of this framework are the guiding principles it upholds, including the One Health Approach, Partnerships & Collaborations, Sustained Investment, Advanced Technology & Infrastructure, Community Engagement, Accountability & Transparency, and Equity & Inclusion. By focusing on these guiding principles, the strategy promotes resilience in health systems, enabling them to anticipate, adapt to, and mitigate the adverse health effects of climate change. Additionally, this framework addresses the need for strong institutional capacity, innovative financing mechanisms, technological adoption, collaborative partnerships, and political will within member states to drive tangible progress.

As we embark on implementing this Strategic Framework, we recognize the enormity of the task ahead. It will require commitment, cooperation, and a shared vision to enhance health security and climate resilience across Africa. By aligning our efforts and harnessing the diverse strengths and complementarities of our continental, regional, and national structures, we are poised to make meaningful strides in protecting the health of our people against the far-reaching impacts of climate change.

The journey towards climate resilience is complex and challenging, but with the right strategies, partnerships, and investments, Africa can build a future where health systems are robust, communities are empowered, and the health impacts of climate change are effectively managed. Africa CDC stands at the forefront of this critical mission, and we are confident that this Strategic Framework will serve as a vital tool in our collective endeavor to secure a healthier and more resilient continent for generations to come.

H.E Dr Jean Kaseya,
Director General
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)

Attached Files