Africa Climate and Health Responders Course

VIDEO RECORDING

Featuring: 

• Caradee Wright, PhD, Chief Specialist Scientist: Environment and Health Research Unit, Lead: Climate Change and Human Health Research Programme, South African Medical Research Council, SOUTH AFRICA
• Moderated by: Margaret A. Kaseje, PhD, President of the Association of Schools of Public Health in Africa (ASPHA), KENYA

Description: This session provides an in-depth exploration of the intersection between climate change and human health, emphasizing the crucial role of health professionals in engaging in climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience strategies, and current policy priorities in the African context. Through case studies and discussions, the session will explore how climate change disproportionately impacts socioeconomically, racially, and ethnically marginalized communities both locally and globally, leading to disparate health outcomes and the urgency of trans-sectoral solution in addressing these challenges. 

Session Learning Objectives:

• Explain the general mechanism of the greenhouse effect and describe how human activities, mainly combustion of fossil fuels, are exacerbating this natural phenomenon. 

• Understanding that the voice of health professionals in advocacy and policy is essential to address the climate and health crisis 

• Identify the ways in which climate change preferentially impacts socioeconomically, racially, or ethnically marginalized communities locally and globally 

• Distinguish between climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience 

• Explain the main health impacts of climate change on human health in Africa, how the health sector contributes to climate change and environmental degradation 

VIDEO RECORDING

Featuring: 

• Kutane Waltaji Terfa, Climate Change Specialist in Health, Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Air Quality, ETHIOPIA 

• Peter E. Mbondji, BSc.MHI, BScPH, MPH, PhD, Senior Lecturer/Chairperson - Pierre & Marie Mbondji University Institute (ISPMM), Executive Director - Health Systems Strengthening and Development Group, CAMEROON

• Moderated by: Charles Akataobi Michael, Senior Technical OfficerSenior Technical Officer, Africa CDC, NIGERIA

Description: In this session, we will explore the increasing risks of extreme weather events, such as tropical cyclones, inland and coastal flooding, driven by climate change in Africa.  Participants will gain insights into the short-term and long-term health threats posed to patients and communities impacted by these events, and learn about actionable steps that health professionals can take within their roles to mitigate these risks. We'll delve into the various biological, social, economic, and structural factors that contribute to the vulnerability of individuals and populations to health impacts from extreme weather hazards. Additionally, we will define the critical roles of disaster risk reduction, public health communication, early warning systems, and regional cooperation in preventing the health impacts of extreme weather events and minimizing migration.

Session Learning Objectives:

• Describe the ways in which climate change increases the risk of extreme events such as windstorms, inland and coastal flooding in the Africa 

• Identify short-term and long-term health threats to patients and communities impacted by extreme weather events and steps that health professionals can take within their professional roles to reduce these risks

• Identify biologic, social, economic and structural factors that make individuals and populations more vulnerable to health impacts from extreme weather hazards 

• Define the roles of disaster risk reduction, public health communication, early warning and regional cooperation in the prevention of the health impacts of extreme weather events and to avoid migration

• Reflect upon the dynamic, complex, and multilevel relationship between climate change, international migration, and population health

VIDEO RECORDING

Featuring: 

• Martin Muchangi, PhD, Programme Director, Population Health & Environment, Amref Health Africa, KENYA

• Maureen Kamene Kimenye, MD, Director: Directorate of Public Health & Sanitation, Kenya National Public Health Institute -NPHI, Ministry of Health, KENYA

• Moderated by: Sean Patrick, PhD, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA

Description: This session provides an in-depth examination of how climate change impacts the hydrosphere, including the occurrence of droughts and heavy precipitation, and the consequent implications for water availability, quality, and supply. Participants will explore the biologic, social, economic, and structural factors that contribute to the vulnerability and affect the incidence and prevalence of waterborne pathogens. Through case studies and discussions, participants will gain insights into the complex relationship between climate change and waterborne diseases, as well as strategies for prevention and mitigation. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical examples, this session aims to equip health professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, address, and prevent the health impacts of climate-related impacts to water and foodborne illness in African communities. 

Session Learning Objectives:

• Describe how climate change impacts the hydrosphere, including droughts and heavy precipitation, and the implications for water availability, quality and supply 

• Identify biologic, social, economic and structural factors that make individuals and populations more vulnerable to health impacts from climate-related changes to the hydrosphere 

• Apply knowledge of climate impacts on the hydrologic cycle to the incidence and prevalence of waterborne pathogens including bacteria, parasites and viruses: Leptospirosis, Campylobacter, Salmonella, cryptosporidium, Norovirus, and Vibrio cholera

• Describe how climate change affects all four dimensions of food security: food availability, stability of food supplies, access to food and food utilization.

VIDEO RECORDING

Featuring: 

• Adelaide Lusambili, PhD, Principal Investigator, HEARTH Project, KENYA

• Kadidiatou Kadio, PhD, Research Institute of Health Sciences, BURKINA FASO
• Adama Sana, MD, PhD, National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST), BURKINA FASO
• Moderated by: Sokhna Thiam, PhD, Associate Research Scientist, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), SENEGAL

Description:  This session focuses on current and projected changes to temperature and the increasing risks of extreme heat events in Africa. We will delve into the concept of "heat-sensitive" health conditions and explore how heat impacts the pathophysiology of various diseases, including cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, neurologic, mental health, and maternal conditions while  identifying medical diagnoses and other health determinants that render patients more vulnerable to heat related illness. We will explore the role of heat early warning systems and other preventive measures in averting negative health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of proactive strategies in mitigating heat-related health risks. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical examples, this session aims to equip health professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, address, and prevent the health impacts of extreme heat events in African communities. 

Session Learning Objectives:

• Identify current and projected changes to temperature and risks of extreme heat events in Africa 

• Define “heat sensitive” health conditions and cite examples of ways in which heat impacts the pathophysiology of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, neurologic, and maternal diseases 

• Identify medical diagnoses, medications, and other health determinants that make patients more vulnerable to climate-related health threats and steps that health professionals can take council individuals to reduce risks 

• Explain how extreme heat may exacerbate mental health burdens. 

• Explore the role of heat early warning systems and other measures in preventing negative health outcomes

VIDEO RECORDING

Featuring: 

• Kofi A. Amegah (PhD), Associate Professor of Environmental & Nutritional Epidemiology, University of Cape Coast, GHANA

• Azeeza Rangunwala, Global Green and Healthy Hospital (GGHH) Coordinator, SOUTH AFRICA

• Moderated by: Patrick Opiyo Owili, PhD (PubHth), PhD (EnvScTec), Africa Population and Health Reseach Center, KENYA

Description: This session will provide a comprehensive exploration of the pathways through which climate change affects air quality in Africa, including changes to ozone, PM2.5, wildfires, desert dust, and other ambient respiratory irritants. Participants will learn how these pollutants impact populations vulnerable to degraded air quality, considering factors such as socioeconomic status, geographic location, and pre-existing health conditions. Participants will gain insights into public health measures to protect vulnerable populations and explore strategies for community-based interventions.  Furthermore, the session will delve into the near-term health co-benefits of climate mitigation efforts, including improved air quality, at the individual, local, and global scales. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, participants will gain insights into examples of successful mitigation strategies, highlighting the potential for positive health outcomes associated with climate action.

Session Learning Objectives:

• Describe the pathways through which climate change affects ozone, PM2.5, the occurrence of wildfires, desert dust, and other ambient respiratory irritants in Africa, how these pollutants impact climate-sensitive respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular, and allergic diseases 

• Identify populations that are vulnerable to degraded air quality. 

• Describe public health measures to protect vulnerable populations, such as limiting outside work and recreation during poor air quality days or hot days

•  Describe the near-term health co-benefits (e.g. improved air quality) that arise because of climate mitigation at the individual, local, and global scales

VIDEO RECORDING

Featuring: 

• Desiree LaBeaud, MD, MS, FASTMH, Professor, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, INTERNATIONAL
• Adugna Woyessa, PhD, Epidemiologist, Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), ETHIOPIA
• Moderated by: Marian Offei, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), GHANA

Description: This session provides a comprehensive exploration of the environmental processes changing as a result of climate change and their impact on the prevalence, incidence, and distribution of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases including Malaria, Dengue fever, Rift Valley fever, Schistosomiasis, Chikungunya, and Zika.  Through case studies we will explore actionable steps that health professionals can take to identify and protect patients vulnerable to these diseases through targeted interventions, including early warning systems, and community-based, interdisciplinary approaches to disease prevention and control in a changing climate. 

Session Learning Objectives:

• Explain the environmental processes changing as a result of climate change and how they impact the prevalence, incidence, and distribution of vector-borne and zoonotic disease

• For the following diseases, describe how climate change is influencing their distribution: Malaria, Dengue fever, Rift Valley, Schistosomiasis, Chikungunya, Zika. Effects of deforestation/bushfires/climate change bringing forest habitat in closer proximity to humans. 

• Explore what actions health professionals can take to identify and protect patients vulnerable to these diseases 

• Define steps the health sector can take to become prepared to address shifting geographic burdens of vector-borne and zoonotic disease, including increasing surveillance and early-warning systems and broader interdisciplinary coordination

VIDEO RECORDING

Featuring: 

• Beatrice Ekesa-Onyango, PhD, Senior Nutrition and Agri-Food Systems Specialist and International Researcher, KENYA

• Kiswendsida Guigma, PhD, Technical Advisor for the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, WEST AFRICAN SAHEL
• John Otieno Otieno, Regional Advocacy Officer – Action Against Hunger- HORN, EAST, and SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Moderated by: Samuel G. Wanjohi, Country Manager, Africa One Health University Network (AFROHUN), KENYA

Description: This session focuses on the complex interplay between extremes of temperature and precipitation and their impacts on food security and malnutrition in the African continent. Participants will gain insights into how climate change-induced variations in temperature and precipitation patterns affect agricultural productivity and exacerbate food insecurity and malnutrition. Moreover, participants will explore mechanisms for forecasting food insecurity using climate models, understanding the role of predictive tools in identifying vulnerable regions and populations and informing proactive interventions.  Through case studies and discussions, participants will explore examples of strategies to improve food security in a changing climate and learn about innovative approaches such as drought-resistant crop varieties, sustainable agricultural practices, and community-based adaptation initiatives.

Session Learning Objectives:

• Describe how extremes of temperature and precipitation are affecting food security and malnutrition in the African Continent

• Explore mechanism for forecasting food insecurity using climate models

• Explore examples of strategies to improve food security in a changing climate

• Discuss relationship between food, animal and plant agriculture and GHG emissions (methane, carbon) and the co-benefits of improved diets to address malnutrition and mitigate climate change

VIDEO RECORDING

Featuring: 

• Samson Mhizha, PhD, Chairperson, Department of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, ZIMBABWE

• Elaine C. Flores,  PhD, MD, MSc, Research Fellow, Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, LSHTM, INTERNATIONAL

• Moderated by: Cecilia Sorensen, MD, Director, GCCHE, Columbia University, INTERNATIONAL

Description: This session delves into the profound impact of climate change on the incidence and prevalence of stress disorders, depression, anxiety, suicide, domestic abuse, violence, aggression, and substance abuse as a consequence of fast and slow onset climate-related disasters. Through case studies and discussions, participants will gain insights into the complex interplay between environmental stressors and mental health outcomes. We will also examine the specific mental health challenges faced by "climate refugees" or individuals displaced from their homes or livelihoods due to climate-related environmental changes such as drought, sea-level rise, wildfires, or hurricanes, with a focus on recent examples from Africa.  Through interactive discussions and case studies, we will explore the role of resilience-building interventions, community-based support systems, and mental health services in promoting psychological well-being in the face of environmental challenges.

Session Learning Objectives:

• Discuss how natural disasters resulting from climate change impact the mental health of a population, specifically in regard to the incidence and prevalence of stress disorders, depression / anxiety, suicide, domestic abuse, violence and aggression, and substance abuse. 

• Explore the impact on the mental health of “climate refugees” or those who have been displaced from their home or livelihood from climate-related environmental changes such as drought, sea level rise, wildfires, or hurricanes.  Cite and explore recent examples from Africa

• Describe what can be done to mitigate the population mental health consequences of climate change

• Explore the unequal burden of climate-related mental health disorders and discuss strategies for targeted interventions in vulnerable populations

VIDEO RECORDING

Featuring: 

• Sari Kovats, PhD FFPH, NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, INTERNATIONAL
• John Bosco Isunju, PhD, Disease Control & Environmental Health Dep't, Makerere University School of Public Health, UGANDA
• Moderated by: Yewande Alimi, MPH, AMR and One Health Unit Lead, Africa CDC, NIGERIA

Description: This session focuses on national adaptation planning and vulnerability assessments as essential tools for understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change on health systems and communities and creating robust policy action. Participants will explore how vulnerability assessments are utilized to understand individual, community, and health system vulnerabilities, in order to inform comprehensive climate and health planning and response. Additionally, participants will learn about the importance of collaboration and information sharing across departments, ministries, and agencies to support integrated surveillance and response efforts to guide effective climate adaptation and health promotion. 

Session Learning Objectives:

• Understand how national vulnerability assessments are used to describe and prioritize community and health system impacts and vulnerabilities

• Explain the potential for climate, environment, and health surveillance to support adaptation, including health and non-health sector sources, infectious and non-infectious diseases, mortality surveillance, and environmental data

• Explain the importance of collaboration on information sharing across Departments, Ministries and Agencies to support integrated/joined-up action

VIDEO RECORDING

Featuring: 

• Rudolf Abugnaba-Abanga, PhD Vice chair, Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Health Systems TWG, GHANA

• James Irlam, MSc/MPhil, Senior Lecturer, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, University of Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA

• Saloshni Naidoo, MD, PhD, Associate Professor & Head of Discipline, Public Health Medicine, University of Natal, SOUTH AFRICA

• Moderator: Vincent Pagiwa, Msc, PhD, Public Health Research Fellow, Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana.

Description: This session focuses on applying the concepts of sustainability and adaptation to the healthcare sector and explores practical examples of how healthcare systems can embody both principles, thereby improving health service delivery in changing climate. Through case studies and discussions, participants will gain insights into how healthcare facilities can become more resilient in the face of increasingly severe and frequent climate-related weather extremes through  addressing workforce surge needs, ensuring the continuity of critical infrastructure for healthcare and emergency services, and understanding the roles and interactions between various agencies involved in emergency care. Furthermore, the session will highlight the role of health professionals in partnering with healthcare institutions, professional organizations, and advocacy groups to reduce the healthcare sector's greenhouse gas footprint and foster partnerships for a more sustainable and resilient healthcare system.

Session Learning Objectives:

• Apply the concepts of sustainability and adaptation to the healthcare sector and explore examples of how healthcare systems can perform both sustainability and adaptation

• Identify ways in which healthcare facilities can become more resilient in the face of increasingly severe and/or frequent climate-related weather extremes 

• Use emergency planning skills to plan for and respond to climate related extreme weather events and disasters, including workforce surge needs and disruption of infrastructure critical to maintaining access to healthcare and emergency services, and distinguish the roles of and interactions between agencies involved in emergency care

• Describe how health professionals can partner with health care institutions, professional organizations, and advocacy groups to reduce health care sector greenhouse gas footprint

VIDEO RECORDING

Featuring: 

• Madeleine Thomson, PhD, Head of Impacts and Adaptation, Wellcome Trust, INTERNATIONAL

• Samuel Oji Oti, MD, PhD, Senior Program Specialist, Global Health, International Development Research Centre (IDRC), NIGERIA

• Matthew Chersich, MBBCh, MSc, PhD, Research Professor, Wits Planetary Health Division, University of the Witwatersrand, SOUTH AFRICA

• Moderated by: Charles Michael Akataobi, Senior Technical Officer, Africa CDC, KENYA

​​​​​​Description: Through an interactive panel discussion, this session will provide a comprehensive overview of current research priorities at the nexus of climate change and health for the African region. We will explore key research areas and emerging challenges, gaining insights into the complex interplay between environmental factors and public health outcomes.  Panelists will discuss the role of transdisciplinary research and its significance in addressing complex climate and health challenges, the critical need for partner engagement throughout the research process, and strategies for fostering meaningful partnerships with local communities, policymakers, and other stakeholders to ensure research relevance and impact. Additionally, panelists will identify current climate and health research funding opportunities  in the African region. 

Session Learning Objectives:

• Define current research priorities at the nexus of climate change and health for the African region

• Explain the concept of transdisciplinary research and the core components of this research approach

• Discuss the need for partner engagement from conceptualization of the research proposal planning

• Identify current challenges to conducting and  funding climate and health research in the African Region

• Explore current funding opportunities and ways to modify existing research to address key areas of climate and health uncertainty.