Climate and Health Africa Conference: Advancing climate-resilient health systems across Africa

The challenge

Africa bears a disproportionate burden of climate-sensitive diseases despite contributing minimally to global emissions. Climate change intensifies health threats across the continent, from vector-borne diseases to heat-related illnesses, yet African nations have historically had limited platforms to present their research, share solutions, and shape global climate and health policy.

With healthcare systems already under strain, there is an urgent need for African-led strategies that address the unique challenges of building climate-resilient health infrastructure.

About the project

The Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC) is an Africa-focused platform that brings together researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and funders to address climate change’s health impacts on the continent.

We supported CeSHHAR Zimbabwe to host the inaugural CHAC 2024 in Harare, Zimbabwe, alongside the Zimbabwean Ministry of Health and Child Care and Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife. The event convened over 400 delegates from 30 African countries and was supported by leading international partners including Wellcome and the World Health Organization.
Timed strategically ahead of COP29, CHAC provides a forum for African nations to align strategies, build partnerships, and develop climate adaptation plans tailored to the African context.

Our strategies & approaches

Africa-led dialogue and policy development

CHAC 2024 launched the Harare Declaration on Climate and Health in Africa, establishing a unified approach for climate-related health priorities across the continent. The conference unveiled climate adaptation-mitigation plans specifically designed for African nations, providing frameworks to guide future policy decisions and international partnerships.

Knowledge exchange across disciplines

The conference featured expert panels and scientific presentations across five themes: understanding how climate impacts health; environmental exposures and climate-health patterns; building climate-resilient health systems; reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices; and ethics in climate research.

Strategic partnership building

By convening Ministers of Health, leading researchers, funders, and practitioners, CHAC creates opportunities for collaboration between African nations and international partners. This platform enables resource sharing, joint research initiatives, and coordinated approaches to climate health challenges.

Our key findings and impact

Established continental platform

CHAC 2024 marked the first Africa-focused conference of its kind, creating a dedicated space for African voices in the global climate and health discussion. The event successfully brought together high-level political leadership with scientific expertise to shape future directions.

Developed policy framework

The Harare Declaration provides a roadmap for African nations to develop climate-resilient health systems, with tailored adaptation plans offering practical guidance for implementation at national and regional levels.
Influenced global agenda

Positioned ahead of COP29, CHAC ensured African perspectives and priorities were articulated and amplified in advance of international climate negotiations, strengthening the continent’s voice in global policy discussions.

Built research networks

The conference strengthened connections between African researchers and international funders, building collaborations that will advance climate and health research conducted by and for African communities.