MONICA KAYOMBO, Zambia/Lusaka
CLIMATE change is a ticking time bomb for public health in Zambia and thw continent with vulnerable communities bearing the brunt of its impact and the development calls for urgent action to save lives.
Dr Mundenda Mweetwa, a leading expert from Apex University in Zambia, sounded the alarm on Wednesday, describing climate change as a “public health emergency that requires urgent attention” during a virtual meeting with journalists from Medical Science Cafes (MESICA) from Zambia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.
Dr Mweetwa highlighted the devastating impact of climate change on health, explaining that rising temperatures are driving water-borne and vector-borne diseases. He said extreme weather events like floods and storms are causing injuries, mental health issues, and displacement.
“Climate change has been driving wood and water borne diseases due to many factors including unusual temperatures,” he said.
Dr Mweetwa added that the consequences are dire substantial his statement that Increased heat stress and air pollution are exacerbating respiratory diseases and premature mortality.
He said the World Health Organisation has projected that Malaria, diarrhea, and undernutrition are would claim 250,000 additional lives annually between 2030 and 2050.
Dr Mweetwa called on governments to integrate climate change into health systems, emphasizing the need for policymakers to prioritize health outcomes in climate strategies.
“Policy makers have a duty to enable health outcomes into climate strategies across energy, transport, food and nature,” Dr Mweetwa stressed.
He also urged health professionals to participate in climate policy design and journalists to promote science-based reporting.
“Addressing climate misinformation is critical,” Dr Mweetwa said, highlighting the importance of accurate reporting in shaping public perception and policy.
Legal and Development Manager at LATU Foundation Harry Simatala, , echoed these concerns, highlighting the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations. “Climate floods, heatwaves, and droughts have intensified HIV vulnerability and Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) due to disrupted HIV treatment during floods and displacements,” he said.
According to Mr Simatala, transactional sex also heightens as food insecurity and Gender Based Violence (GBV) worsens at the same time. He noted that CSOs across Africa and Latin America are calling for a just transition that protects livelihoods and recognizes Africa’s ecological debt.
“We will continue to insist on equity, accountability, and meaningful protection for those on the frontlines of climate-driven health risks,” Mr Simatala said.
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