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AFHEG collaboration at The Africa Climate Change and Health Week
The Africa Climate Change and Health Week 2024 was a significant event that fostered collaboration between the AFHEG Foundation and Digital Health Africa (DHA).
It brought together key stakeholders to tackle the urgent challenges that climate change poses to public health across the continent. This gathering provided a platform for dynamic discussions, allowing experts and advocates to share insights and strategies aimed at promoting climate resilience and health equity in Africa.
Through their partnership, DHA and the AFHEG Foundation mobilized a diverse range of participants and organizations, amplifying the event’s reach and impact. The AFHEG Foundation played a crucial role by officially endorsing the initiative, leveraging its extensive network to encourage broad participation, and advocating for the event’s objectives through strategic social media outreach, reaching over 5,000 people across platforms like LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, with DHA providing promotional materials.
By championing health literacy, the AFHEG Foundation emphasized the importance of equipping communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to understand and respond to the health implications of climate change.
Phillip Mwebaza, the founder of the AFHEG Foundation, delivered a powerful keynote address that emphasized the urgent health challenges posed by climate change. He articulated how rising temperatures, extreme weather, and shifting disease patterns disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
“We must integrate health considerations into climate policies and empower communities to become active participants in creating solutions,” he remarked, highlighting the need for informed citizen engagement in climate action.
His message resonated deeply with participants, as he urged policymakers to prioritize health in climate adaptation strategies. “The time for action is now; we can no longer afford to view health and climate as separate entities,” Phillip stated, reinforcing the interconnectedness of these critical issues.
The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers: Mirna Hussein, Technical Digital Advisor, OHDAA at GIZ; Noor Sheikh, Founder, NOFMA_KE; Marieta Liebenberg, Healthcare Consultant, The Pan African Health Informatics Association (HELINA); and Erik Vermeulen, Global Business Consultant, The Pan African Health Informatics Association (HELINA). Their contributions enriched the discussions and highlighted various perspectives on addressing the health impacts of climate change.
The outcomes of the week were significant, fostering new collaborations and a shared commitment to integrating health considerations into climate policies. “We must work together to develop effective strategies that reflect the realities on the ground and support our most vulnerable populations,” Phillip urged, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among governments, NGOs, and local communities.
Understanding the intersection of climate and health is essential for safeguarding the well-being of populations, particularly in vulnerable regions. Climate change exacerbates existing health challenges, leading to increased morbidity and mortality from diseases, mental health issues, and food insecurity.
By prioritizing climate-health initiatives, we can build resilient healthcare systems that not only address current health crises but also prepare for future challenges, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for all.