Climate change and health: Strategic framework 2025

The framework establishes consistent, sustainable, and strategic approaches for integrating the climate and health nexus within the health initiatives of AU Member States. Its primary objective is to identify key initiatives requiring attention, implementation, and resolution related to climate and health.

Africa CDC strategically prioritized five key vulnerabilities to be addressed within this framework:

1. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases: Their increasing prevalence and severity pose a significant public health concern, necessitating immediate intervention.
2. Heat Waves and Extreme Temperatures: These conditions, which are increasing in both frequency and magnitude, pose both immediate and long-term health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, while exacerbating pre-existing health conditions.
3. Nutrition and Nutrition Insecurity: Food insecurity significantly impacts health, especially among children, and is closely related to climate-induced disruptions in agricultural productivity.
4. Waterborne Diseases: Changes in rainfall patterns and insufficient water and sanitation infrastructure increase the prevalence of waterborne diseases, which are quite prevalent in Africa.
5. Airborne Diseases: Climate change affects air quality, influencing the spread and intensity of airborne diseases.