By Gabriel Agbeja, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Across Africa, climate change is no longer a distant environmental concern; it has become a public health emergency that threatens the well-being of millions.
From prolonged droughts in the Horn of Africa to devastating floods in West and Central Africa, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events are exposing communities to new and worsening health risks.
Even though Africa causes less than four percent of world greenhouse gas pollution, health experts say the continent suffers the most from climate change sickness and health risks.
According to them, the effects are visible in overcrowded hospitals, increased outbreaks of infectious diseases, rising cases of malnutrition, respiratory illnesses, mental health disorders, and the displacement of vulnerable populations.
Prof. Oluwafemi Aluko, a lecturer at the Department of Community Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that climate change had altered the epidemiology of diseases across Africa.
According to him, rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns have expanded the habitats of mosquitoes, increasing the spread of malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and other vector-borne diseases into areas where they were once uncommon.
The don said flooding had also contaminated water sources, leading to recurring outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhoeal diseases, especially in countries with inadequate sanitation infrastructure.
He added that children under five, pregnant women, the elderly, and people living with chronic illnesses remained the most vulnerable.
“Extreme heat is becoming increasingly common across many African cities. Urban centres such as Lagos, Cairo, Nairobi, Accra, and Johannesburg are experiencing higher temperatures, worsened by rapid urbanisation and limited green spaces.
“Study has shown that prolonged exposure to heat contributes to dehydration, heat stroke, cardiovascular diseases, kidney disorders, and complications among individuals with diabetes and hypertension.
“Outdoor workers—including farmers, construction workers, transport operators, and street traders—face increased health risks as they spend long hours under scorching temperatures.
“Climate-induced droughts, floods, and changing rainfall patterns continue to reduce agricultural productivity across Africa. Crop failures and livestock losses have become more frequent, leaving millions vulnerable to hunger, ” he said.
Aluko explained that reduced food production caused by climate change had contributed to rising food prices, making nutritious meals unaffordable for many households.
According to him, malnutrition weakens immune systems, increases childhood stunting, and heightens susceptibility to infectious diseases.
He added that the Horn of Africa had repeatedly witnessed severe droughts that had displaced millions while pushing communities toward food insecurity and humanitarian crises.
Furthermore, Miss Olabisi Kumuyi, the Secretary, Climate Beyond Borders Caravan (CBBC), in Africa, said at a forum in Lagos, that access to clean water was becoming increasingly difficult in many African countries due to impact of climate change.
CBBC, an initiative of People, Planet and Peace Foundation (PPPF), is a pan-African, youth-led campaign promoting climate action, a cross-border cooperation and green economic transformation across the continent.
According to her, droughts reduce water availability; floods contaminate existing supplies while communities are often forced to rely on unsafe water sources, increasing exposure to water-borne diseases.
She observed that women and children frequently bear the burden of travelling long distances in search of water, exposing them to additional health and security risks.
“Climate change also worsens air quality through dust storms, wildfires, and prolonged dry seasons.
“Combined with emissions from industries, transport, and household cooking fuels, poor air quality contributes to rising cases of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, and lung cancer.
“The World Health Organisation estimates that air pollution remains one of the leading environmental causes of premature deaths worldwide, with African cities increasingly affected,’’ she said.
Contributing, Miss Maryam Abdirashid, a Kenyan CBBC Participant, noted that the psychological effects of climate change were receiving growing attention across almost all African countries.
According to Abdirashid, families who lose homes, farms, livelihoods, and loved ones during floods, droughts, storms, or wildfires often experience anxiety, depression, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Young people increasingly express concerns about uncertain futures as climate change threatens education, employment, and food security. Mental health professionals argue that psychological support should become an essential component of climate adaptation programmes.
“Truly peaking, climate-related disasters are driving migration across Africa.
“Floods, desertification, sea-level rise, and prolonged droughts have displaced millions, forcing communities into overcrowded settlements where access to healthcare, sanitation, nutrition, and clean water is often inadequate.
“These conditions create fertile grounds for disease outbreaks while increasing maternal and child health challenges.’’
Maryam called on African governments to strengthen healthcare systems to cope with climate-related emergencies like building climate-resilient hospitals and health facilities.
Other crucial areas she mentioned including strengthening disease surveillance and early warning systems and expanding access to clean water and sanitation.
“Improving emergency preparedness and disaster response, investing in climate-sensitive health research and training healthcare workers on climate-related diseases are key.
“Also important is promoting universal health coverage for vulnerable populations.
“Health systems must be designed to anticipate climate shocks rather than merely respond to disasters,’’ she said.
Meanwhile, Mrs Adenike Aluko, the Deputy Director, Water and Environmental Sanitation Department, Ilesa North East Local Government, Ilesha, Osun, said the communities remained central to climate resilience.
According to her, public awareness campaigns can educate citizens on heat safety, hygiene, disease prevention, nutrition, and environmental conservation.
“Tree planting, improved waste management, cleaner cooking technologies, sustainable agriculture, and better urban planning can significantly reduce health risks while protecting ecosystems.
“Traditional knowledge, when combined with scientific innovation, can strengthen local adaptation strategies,’’ he said.
She advised African leaders to continue calling for greater climate financing, technology transfer, and international partnerships.
According to her, nations most responsible for greenhouse gas emissions should provide adequate financial support to vulnerable countries facing the greatest health impacts.
She explained that increased investment in adaptation measures, resilient health infrastructure, and renewable energy could help reducing future health burdens while supporting sustainable development.
“The intersection of climate change and public health represents one of Africa’s defining challenges in the 21st century.
“Every flood, drought, heatwave, and disease outbreak serves as a reminder that environmental sustainability and human health are inseparable.
“Addressing this challenge requires coordinated action from governments, healthcare professionals, researchers, development partners, civil society, and local communities.
“Policies that integrate climate adaptation into health planning, strengthen resilient infrastructure, and protect the most vulnerable will be essential,’’ she said.
Stakeholders say Africa must place public health at the core of climate action.
They hold that investing now in resilient health systems, environmental management, and community preparedness protects lives and builds a prosperous future.(NANFeatures)
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo
*** If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.
2026-07-22