Font size:
Print
Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC) 2024
Context:
The Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC) 2024 opens in Harare, Zimbabwe, aiming to highlight the intersection of climate change and health in Africa. This inaugural event brings together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss the urgent health impacts of climate change on the continent.
Key Highlights of CHAC 2024
- Dates and Venue:
- October 29-31, 2024
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Participation:
- Over 400 attendees from 54 African countries and beyond.
- Participants include government officials, health and climate experts, researchers, and academics.
- Objectives:
- Address the health impacts of climate change on Africans, focusing on climate-sensitive diseases.
- Share innovations and best practices to enhance climate resilience in health.
- Incorporate cutting-edge research into understanding climate-health mechanisms and effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.
- Expected Outcomes:
- Scientific publications
- A comprehensive African Health and Climate Declaration
- Action plan blueprints for implementation
- Announcement of new partnerships and funding commitments
The Impact of Climate Change on Health
- Disproportionate Effects:
- Africa contributes only 3% of global carbon emissions yet faces severe impacts, including food insecurity for over 800 million people.
- The African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates annual loss costs due to climate change between $289.2 billion to $440.5 billion.
- Health-Climate Linkages:
- Climate change exacerbates health issues, particularly in regions like the Horn of Africa and the Sahel.
- Studies indicate the HIV crisis in Eswatini persists alongside climate emergencies, affecting health outcomes indirectly through disrupted livelihoods.
Concurrent Events: CHANCE Networking
- CHANCE Overview:
- A meeting for the Climate and Health Africa Network for Collaboration and Engagement (CHANCE) runs alongside CHAC 2024.
- Focuses on networking, research, and policy development related to climate change and health.
- Objectives:
- Promote collaboration among stakeholders and facilitate knowledge exchange.
Advocate for evidence-based policy development and provide technical assistance to enhance climate financing access.
