Climate Resilient and Just Health Systems in Africa
Climate change is threatening to undermine the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through negative health outcomes and healthcare system disruptions. These disease burdens related to climate change pose added obstacles to UHC by increasing overall use and costs of healthcare. In addition, there is already a shortage and maldistribution of well-trained healthcare workers around the world. Studies have shown increased migration of the professional medical workforce from hotter zones which eventually may lead to severe health-care workforce shortages, especially for disadvantaged populations. The climate crisis also threatens to deepen existing health vulnerabilities and create new ones including the geographic spread of climate-sensitive communicable and non-communicable diseases. The impacts of climate change are also evident at the systems level, particularly within health services and the provision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), eroding progress towards its three dimensions of (i) coverage of the people in need of care, (ii) cost of treatment, and (iii) the care services available. The crisis is also linked to increased food insecurities and hunger as well as potential lack of clean water. The climate crisis is affecting women and youth disproportionately, and hence worsening gender inequalities with overarching ripple effects on access to education and income, thereby promoting negative social-cultural norms. This session builds momentum towards the call to mainstream health in climate change actions during COP 27. This session will debate on climate change and planetary health architecture with Africa in focus. The conversation should contribute to building a methodology of attaining resilient and just health systems.
Expected Outcomes:
1. Reflection on pressing barriers and innovative solutions to attaining climate resilient health systems, including investments, just energy transition and health workforce
2. Expanded partnerships, global networks and collaboration in preparation for COP 27
3. Discussion on people-centred health systems for just, sustainable climate change adaptation with universal health coverage in focus.
RSVP: Maggie Rarieya – [email protected]