As climate change continues to worsen health vulnerabilities across Africa, public health experts, development actors and private sector leaders are set to convene for urgent dialogue and action at the upcoming Africa Health Business Symposium (AHBS25).
Scheduled for July 17, the high-level session titled “Addressing the Effects of Climate Change on Health” will form a major component of AHBS25, which will be held under the theme “Leveraging Innovation to Advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Africa.”
Senior country director for Pathfinder International, Dr. Amina Dorayi said on Friday in Abuja that the session aims to develop actionable strategies for minimising and mitigating the health impacts of climate change across the continent.
“This session will spotlight the links between climate and health, promote evidence-based interventions, and catalyse action-oriented partnerships to support climate-resilient health systems,” Dorayi said.
She noted that Pathfinder International would play a key role during the session, drawing on its experience in gender-sensitive, community-led innovation.
“The session will showcase women-led solutions from countries that are over 95 per cent vulnerable to climate threats, unveil a systems innovation platform to scale community-driven interventions, and demonstrate integrated approaches that deliver health, climate and economic outcomes,” she said.
Dorayi emphasised that the session offers a timely opportunity to centre women and communities in climate-health strategies.
“Women and communities are not just victims of climate change — they are architects of sustainable solutions,” she added.
Expected to participate is Pathfinder’s senior advisor for research and strategic communications – Africa, Dr. Oumar Onyango who will highlight the role of storytelling, partnerships and African-led innovation in climate-health action.
“This session will spotlight how data-driven, community-informed solutions can influence policy and drive long-term systems change,” Dorayi said.
Science Nigeria reports that AHBS25 is a premier platform bringing together top African health policymakers, innovators, and researchers. This year’s symposium will explore how technological innovation, sustainable financing, and collaborative partnerships can accelerate progress toward UHC while tackling climate-linked health threats.
Outcomes from the event are expected to inform policy, strengthen health systems and deliver long-term benefits to Africa’s most climate-vulnerable communities.
