KEMRI Director General Warns of Climate Change as an Emerging Public Health Crisis

As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, it becomes increasingly clear that its effects go beyond rising sea levels and extreme weather events. In Africa, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, climate change is emerging as a significant public health crisis. Professor Elijah Songok, the Director General of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), recently underscored this reality during the 3rd Health and Climate Change Conference, held at the Machakos Convention Centre from October 15-18, 2024. His insights shed light on the intersection between climate change and public health, drawing attention to the urgent need for action to protect the continent’s most vulnerable populations.

The Overlooked Health Dimension of Climate Change

Traditionally, discussions on climate change have focused on environmental degradation, economic impacts, and energy transitions. However, Songok’s remarks highlight an often-overlooked aspect of the crisis: its profound implications for public health. Rising global temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and hurricanes are contributing to a host of public health challenges. These include the spread of infectious diseases, respiratory illnesses, malnutrition, and mental health disorders.

Speaking at the conference, Songok emphasized that climate change should not be viewed in isolation as an environmental issue but as a comprehensive threat to human health. “The effects of climate change are significantly contributing to poor health outcomes, particularly in African countries,” he noted. As temperatures rise, so too does the burden of diseases like malaria and dengue fever, which are spread by mosquitoes whose habitats are expanding into previously cooler regions. Additionally, extreme weather events are disrupting water and sanitation systems, leading to outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases.

Climate Change and Food Security: A Looming Crisis

One of the most pressing health concerns linked to climate change is food insecurity. According to Professor Songok, climate change is projected to reduce agricultural production in Africa by up to 20% by 2050. This reduction is primarily due to shifting weather patterns, including irregular rainfall and prolonged droughts, which are already having a devastating impact on crop yields and livestock. Food insecurity, in turn, leads to malnutrition, particularly among children and vulnerable populations, exacerbating health issues and increasing the strain on already overburdened health systems.

“Food insecurity and malnutrition are among the most visible and immediate health impacts of climate change,” Songok stated. “As agricultural production declines, millions of people are at risk of hunger and malnutrition, which weakens their immune systems and makes them more susceptible to diseases.” The knock-on effects of this are substantial, as malnourished populations are less able to fight off infections, leading to higher rates of illness and death.

The situation is particularly dire for African countries, which rely heavily on agriculture not only for food but also as a key source of income. With reduced agricultural productivity, rural communities are increasingly vulnerable to poverty, and this economic strain further limits their access to healthcare services, creating a vicious cycle of poor health and poverty.

The Economic Costs of Climate-Related Health Issues

The economic toll of climate change on public health is another area of concern. KEMRI estimates that the health impacts of climate change could cost African nations between 2 to 4 billion US dollars annually. These costs arise from the increased demand for healthcare services, lost productivity due to illness, and the strain on health infrastructure, which is often inadequate to handle the rising tide of climate-related diseases.

For countries that are already struggling with limited healthcare budgets, these additional costs represent a significant burden. “The health impacts of climate change are costly, both in terms of direct healthcare expenses and indirect economic losses,” Songok warned. “Unless we take urgent action, the costs will continue to rise, putting even greater pressure on our health systems and economies.”

The conference attendees agreed that these financial pressures necessitate a rethinking of health policies and resource allocation. Governments need to prioritize the development of climate-resilient health systems that can withstand the growing challenges posed by climate change. This includes investing in disease surveillance systems, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and promoting community-level health interventions that can mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.

Building Climate-Resilient Health Systems

One of the key messages from the 3rd Health and Climate Change Conference was the need to bridge the gap between research and practical implementation. While much is known about the health impacts of climate change, translating that knowledge into actionable policies and interventions remains a challenge. Professor Songok highlighted the critical role that research institutions like KEMRI can play in providing evidence-based solutions to inform policy decisions.

“As a research institution, KEMRI is committed to conducting research that informs policy and provides evidence-based solutions,” he said. By focusing on research that addresses the specific health challenges posed by climate change, KEMRI aims to develop strategies that can be scaled up across the continent to protect populations from the worst health effects of the crisis.

Dr. Abdulahi Ali, Chairman of the KEMRI Board of Directors, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of practical action. “This conference is not just an academic exercise but a call to action,” he stated. The conference aimed to inspire tangible outcomes that would positively impact millions of lives across Africa, including the development of climate-resilient health systems that can respond to climate-related health risks.

The Role of Partnerships and Collaboration

Another key theme of the conference was the importance of partnerships and collaboration. Climate change is a global challenge that requires a coordinated response from multiple sectors, including government, healthcare, research, and civil society. Dr. Abdulahi urged the delegates to use the conference as an opportunity to form new alliances and share ideas that could lead to innovative solutions.

“Collaboration is essential if we are to make a real difference in combating the public health effects of climate change,” he said. By working together, stakeholders can leverage their resources and expertise to develop comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of climate-related health issues.

One promising area of collaboration is the integration of climate change adaptation measures into national health policies. This involves not only preparing health systems to deal with the direct impacts of climate change but also addressing the broader social and environmental determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and access to clean water and sanitation.

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

The 3rd Health and Climate Change Conference concluded with a strong call to action. Both Professor Songok and Dr. Abdulahi emphasized that the time to act is now. Delaying action will only exacerbate the health and economic challenges posed by climate change, making it harder for African countries to achieve sustainable development and improve the well-being of their populations.

At the heart of their message was the need for a holistic approach that integrates climate change mitigation and adaptation into all aspects of public health planning. By doing so, countries can build more resilient health systems that are better equipped to protect their populations from the growing threat of climate change.

As the world continues to warm, the public health impacts of climate change will only become more severe. But with the right policies, partnerships, and investments, Africa can not only mitigate the health effects of climate change but also seize the opportunity to build a more equitable and sustainable future.