ADDIS ABABA, September 25 — The Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), held from September 8-10 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marked a pivotal moment for the continent, as African leaders collectively embraced the critical intersection of climate change and public health. Their commitment to fostering climate-resilient and adaptive health systems signals a new era of proactive measures aimed at safeguarding the health of millions across Africa.
Recent evidence underscores the urgent need for such action. Climate-induced extreme weather events, including cyclones, droughts, floods, and heatwaves, have triggered an alarming rise in malaria cases, even in regions previously untouched by the disease. As climate conditions become more favorable for the breeding of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, the impact on public health intensifies. Concurrently, overwhelmed sanitation systems have led to increases in waterborne diseases like cholera, while climate-induced food shortages are pushing malnutrition rates to dangerous heights, exacerbated by disruptions in agricultural productivity.
In a powerful declaration adopted at the summit’s conclusion, leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Africa-led climate solutions that prioritize human health and sustainable development. The ACS2 declaration emphasized the critical need for dedicated financial mechanisms to support climate-related health initiatives and the resilience of health systems across the continent. It specifically highlighted the growing threats posed by heatwaves and water scarcity, which have severe implications for public health, and called for the establishment of early-warning systems closely linked to health services.
The summit, themed “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development,” convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, youth, civil society organizations, development partners, and representatives from the private sector. Together, they sought to forge a unified African perspective on the global climate agenda.
Throughout the three-day event, discussions at the 13th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA XIII) highlighted the undeniable link between climate change and health systems on the continent. Experts noted that Africa’s lack of climate-resilient infrastructure and adequately trained healthcare personnel renders the region particularly vulnerable to climate-related shocks. The message was clear: “health has become the human face of the climate crisis on the continent,” prompting an urgent call for bold leadership and action.
Naveen Rao, Senior Vice President of the Health Initiative at The Rockefeller Foundation, poignantly remarked during the closing session of a newly launched Climate Change and Health Negotiators’ Curriculum by Amref Health Africa, “Health is the human face of climate change. Yet when you search for images of climate change, you only see the human face after page six. We must change that narrative.”
In a groundbreaking initiative supported by the Wellcome Trust, Amref Health Africa, in partnership with Amref International University (AMIU) and the African Group of Negotiators Expert Support (AGNES), unveiled a curriculum designed to equip African negotiators with the necessary technical expertise, advocacy tools, and evidence to prioritize health in climate negotiations. Dr. Modi Mwatsama, Head of Capacity and Field Development for Climate and Health at Wellcome Trust, stressed the urgency of implementing catalytic climate and health actions grounded in scientific evidence.
“This is the moment to roll out training sessions, strengthen AGN’s leadership on climate and health, and ground Africa’s climate diplomacy in science and sustainability,” Dr. Mwatsama stated.
Dr. Ama Essel, AGN Lead Coordinator on Climate and Health, echoed the importance of framing and communicating the science effectively. She emphasized that the curriculum arrived at a critical juncture, enabling Africa to present a united front in climate negotiations while staying true to its long-standing commitment to adaptation.
Furthermore, Dr. Jeremiah Mushosho, WHO AFRO Regional Team Lead for Climate Change, called for alignment with the Global Plan of Action on climate and health. Civil society advocates, including representatives from the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance, reiterated the necessity of having “advocacy soldiers” to maintain pressure for health considerations within climate discussions. They highlighted initiatives such as the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice as vital platforms for nurturing engaged advocates.
Desta Lakew, Group Director of Partnerships and External Affairs at Amref Health Africa, concluded the discussions by emphasizing the central role of communities in climate action. “Communities are the true front line of the climate crisis,” he stated. “They are the first responders to shocks, witnessing floods, droughts, and outbreaks before national systems react. Resilience demands co-creation with communities at every stage, from surveillance and data generation to response.”
The summit also addressed critical sessions focusing on enhancing climate information services for health resilience, integrating health into Africa’s climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, unlocking climate and health financing, and fostering a cohesive narrative for the continent’s climate and health agenda.
Experts at the sessions identified capacity building, research, and cross-sectoral partnerships as essential adaptation measures to bolster the health sector’s resilience amid climate challenges. The collective actions taken during this historic summit reflect a renewed commitment to ensuring that health is not only prioritized but also deeply integrated into Africa’s climate strategies and negotiations—a clarion call for solidarity and proactive leadership in the face of existential threats.
