How can Africa's health care navigate climate change

In Africa, the impact of climate change on health risks is becoming more pronounced, posing significant challenges to entire health systems and economies across the continent. To address these risks, the World Health Organization's Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, emphasized the importance of proactive preparation and strategic investments during an interview with CNBC Africa. Moeti underscored the necessity of integrating climate change considerations into overall preparedness and economic strategies at both the national and global levels. She highlighted the shared responsibility of all countries to collaborate and fulfill commitments made at international forums like the Conference of Parties (COPs) to tackle the challenges posed by climate change. The following key themes and points emerged from the interview: Investing in Climate Resilience: Moeti emphasized the need for African governments to prioritize climate change in their policy development and resource allocation processes. She noted that the increasing frequency of climate-related events like droughts and floods necessitates a shift towards integrating climate considerations into economic planning and strategy development. Global Solidarity and Financing Justice: The conversation also touched on the importance of global solidarity in addressing the economic impacts of climate change. Moeti stressed the need for affordable financing mechanisms to enable African countries to build resilience in various sectors, including health, in the face of climate-related shocks. Enhancing Local Pharmaceutical Production: In response to concerns about the availability of medicines and the potential quadrupling of diseases in Africa due to climate change, Moeti highlighted the importance of boosting local pharmaceutical production. She noted the progress made in partnership with African countries and other regions to increase local production capacity for essential medicines and vaccines. Moeti underscored the need for sustained investment and market creation to support local production efforts and ensure quality standards. The Way Forward: Moeti expressed optimism about the ongoing initiatives to enhance local pharmaceutical production in Africa but called for continued support and collaboration to sustain these efforts. She emphasized the critical role of the African Union, WHO, and other partners in guiding African countries in defining their needs and priorities for local production. Moeti urged for global solidarity, especially in the initial stages of this transition, to support governments and private investors in creating a robust market for essential health tools. In conclusion, Moeti highlighted that the intersection of climate change, health care, and economic resilience in Africa requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address the shared challenges and secure a sustainable future for the continent.