As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, there is a growing urgency to not only mitigate the effects, but also to adapt to them. While adaptation finance is a crucial aspect of building resilience to climate change, a disheartening reality has emerged – less than one percent of adaptation finance targets health, even as climate-sensitive diseases multiply. This neglect of health in adaptation efforts is particularly concerning for Africa, which will need an estimated $300 billion annually by 2030 to build resilient systems and respond to climate-related loss and damage.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a present reality. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods and heatwaves, have led to a rise in climate-sensitive diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and cholera. In many parts of the world, including Africa, these diseases are becoming more widespread and difficult to contain. As a result, vulnerable communities are facing serious health risks, hindering their ability to adapt to the changing climate.
Yet, despite the clear link between climate change, health and adaptation, there has been a lack of focus on health in adaptation finance. According to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO), only 0.5 percent of global climate finance target health adaptation. This means that out of the billions of dollars being invested in climate adaptation, only a fraction is going towards protecting the health of communities.
This trend is particularly concerning for Africa, which is home to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. The continent is highly exposed to the impacts of climate change, with many countries facing severe droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures. These events not only directly affect the health of communities, but they also undermine their ability to access basic services such as healthcare, clean water, and sanitation. This, in turn, makes them more vulnerable to climate-sensitive diseases.
In addition, the African continent is facing a multitude of health challenges, from a high burden of infectious diseases to a rise in non-communicable diseases. Climate change is exacerbating these challenges, making it even more difficult for healthcare systems to cope. The WHO estimates that in Africa, climate change could result in an additional 250,000 deaths per year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress by 2030.
The need for investment in health adaptation in Africa is critical. The WHO estimates that the region will need roughly $300 billion annually by 2030 to build resilient healthcare systems and respond to climate-related loss and damage. This includes investments in infrastructure, technology, and capacity building to prepare for and respond to climate-sensitive diseases.
One key area that requires urgent attention is the strengthening of disease surveillance systems. As climate change alters the patterns of diseases, there is a need for more accurate and timely data to inform public health responses. This requires investments in technology and training to improve the capacity of healthcare workers to identify and report climate-sensitive diseases.
In addition, there is a need for investments in infrastructure, such as water and sanitation systems, to improve the overall health and well-being of communities. This not only helps to prevent the spread of diseases but also reduces the burden on healthcare systems. With better access to clean water, communities can reduce their risk of water-borne diseases, such as cholera and dysentery, and improve their overall health.
Moreover, investments in community-based adaptation strategies can also have a positive impact on health. These include initiatives such as drought-resistant crops, sustainable water management, and early warning systems for extreme weather events. By building resilience at the community level, vulnerable populations can better withstand the impacts of climate change on their health and livelihoods.
To achieve these goals, there is a need for increased investment and cooperation between governments, international organizations, and the private sector. This includes redirecting a greater portion of climate finance towards health adaptation in Africa, as well as exploring innovative financing mechanisms such as climate bonds and public-private partnerships.
In conclusion, it is clear that health must be a central focus of adaptation finance efforts. Neglecting the health of vulnerable communities not only undermines their ability to adapt to climate change, but it also threatens to exacerbate existing health challenges. With an estimated $300 billion needed annually by 2030 to build resilient health systems in Africa, there is an urgent need for action and collaboration. Investing in health adaptation is not only necessary, but it is also a moral imperative that will benefit both present
