Africa CDC has unveiled a Strategic Framework for Climate Change and Health (2025 – 2029), a continental plan to safeguard public health from the escalating impacts of climate change across Africa.
The director-general of the Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya described climate change as one of the most urgent public health threats of the 21st century. Speaking during the official launch of the framework via a virtual session on Wednesday, Kaseya said that climate change is already wreaking havoc on African populations by fueling extreme weather events, altering disease patterns, aggravating food insecurity and intensifying the spread of waterborne illnesses.
According to Kaseya, a review of more than 2,000 public health events across the continent between 2001 and 2021 showed that 56 per cent were directly linked to the effects of climate change. He warned that if urgent action is not taken, climate change is projected to cause an additional 14.5 million deaths, result in the loss of over two billion healthy life years and trigger an estimated 12.5 trillion dollars in economic damages globally by 2050.
The newly launched framework provides a comprehensive roadmap aimed at addressing the intersection between climate change and public health through evidence-based, multisectoral approaches. It seeks to support African Union Member States in building climate-resilient health systems and communities by enhancing institutional capacities and promoting collaboration across health, environment, agriculture and disaster management sectors.
Kaseya described the initiative as a crucial milestone in Africa CDC’s ongoing mission to strengthen public health systems. He stressed that the framework underscores the need for strong institutional arrangements at national, regional, and continental levels. He expressed confidence that, with appropriate strategies, meaningful partnerships and sustained investment, Africa could build health systems capable of anticipating and managing the growing threats linked to climate change.
The strategy is built on seven guiding principles: the one health approach, partnerships and collaborations, sustained investment, advanced technology and infrastructure, community engagement, accountability and transparency and equity and inclusion. These principles aim to empower policymakers, healthcare professionals and local communities to not only adapt to climate challenges but to lead responses that prioritise the most vulnerable populations.
The framework also calls for bold political leadership, innovative financing mechanisms, and the deployment of cutting-edge technologies to monitor climate-health linkages and ensure swift action when new threats emerge. Kaseya urged governments, development partners and civil society across Africa to work in concert, align their goals, and harness their collective expertise and resources to build a healthier, more resilient continent.
“The journey towards climate resilience is complex and challenging,” Kaseya said. “But with a shared vision, we are poised to make meaningful strides in protecting the health of our people. This framework is not just a policy document – it is a continental imperative and a call to action.”
He noted that the launch of the framework is especially timely, as African countries continue to confront the worsening effects of global warming on public health. The new plan complements ongoing initiatives under the Africa CDC’s One Health Strategy and its 2023 – 2027 Strategic Plan, which aims to transform the continent’s health architecture.
Reacting to the launch, a public health expert, Dr. Gabriel Adakole, said the framework provides Nigeria with a valuable roadmap to strengthen health systems against climate-related risks. He said it encourages integration of climate considerations into national health policies, improves surveillance and early warning systems, and opens avenues for funding and technical support. According to him, by embracing the framework, Nigeria could significantly enhance its preparedness for climate-induced disease outbreaks and build a more inclusive, responsive and equitable health system.
