The world in general and Africa in particular, is vulnerable to climatic changes. Climate change affects the fundamental bases of good human health, which are clean air, safe drinking water, sufficient food, and secure shelter. Climate change is known to impact health through three climate dimensions: extreme heat, natural disasters, and infectious diseases. The temporal and spatial climatic changes that will affect the biology and ecology of vectors and intermediate hosts are likely to increase the risks of disease transmission.
Impact on Food Production and Nutrition Outcomes
Climate change is significantly impacting food production and health in Africa. Projections suggest agricultural productivity may decline by up to 12% by 2050 due to rising temperatures, which have already resulted in reduced yields of staple crops like rice, sorghum, and maize. Africa is warming faster than the global average, with severe heatwaves and droughts exacerbating food insecurity, famine, and malnutrition. Between 1991 and 2021, the continent experienced a +0.3°C annual temperature increase, leading to a 34% reduction in agricultural productivity. Droughts have hit regions like the Horn of Africa and South Africa, worsening food shortages and threatening the continent’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goals. The rising frequency of extreme heat and drought also poses health risks, including worsening non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially in vulnerable populations
Conclusion
The WHO identifies climate change as a significant threat to global health, particularly due to the rapid spread of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance, potentially leading to mass fatalities. This danger is heightened by globalization, as seen with COVID-19. To address this, the One Health approach, which connects human, animal, and environmental health, is essential for meeting UN Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving this will require substantial national and regional investments in climate change research and preparedness to develop protective measures against emerging infectious diseases in Africa.
For more information on climate change and its threats to Africa, please refer to our comprehensive report-