Africa Climate and Health Alliance (ACHA) – Position Statement for COP29

Theme: Advancing Climate Justice through Health and Equity: An African Call to Action at COP29

Introduction

The Africa Climate and Health Alliance (ACHA) recognizes that climate change is not just an environmental crisis but also a profound public health challenge, with Africa at the frontline of its impacts. As we prepare for the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, ACHA presents a bold and urgent Call to Action for a climate agenda that puts human health, climate justice, and equity at the heart of decision-making. African nations contribute the least to global greenhouse gas emissions but suffer disproportionately from the consequences of climate change—rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and food and water insecurity—resulting in devastating health outcomes.

Vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, and marginalized communities, are at the greatest risk. At COP29, we demand that the global community acknowledge this inequity and take decisive steps to integrate health into climate policy, ensuring that Africa’s health systems are resilient and communities are protected from climate-induced health crises. Our position is clear: Climate justice cannot be achieved without health justice.

Key Priorities and Demands

1. Health-Cantered Climate Policies

ACHA calls for the integration of health into all climate-related policies and frameworks, particularly in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and long-term adaptation strategies. Health must be recognized as a central outcome of climate action, and climate policies should explicitly aim to improve health outcomes for all.

Call to Action:

• Include health impact assessments in the design, implementation, and monitoring of climate policies.

• Prioritize public health adaptation measures such as early warning systems for heatwaves, flooding, and climate-sensitive diseases (e.g., malaria and cholera).

• Foster collaboration between health, environment, and agricultural ministries to address the health impacts of climate change holistically.

2. Resilient and Climate-Proof Health Systems

Africa’s health systems must be made resilient to the growing impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events and the spread of climate-sensitive diseases. Without robust health infrastructure, climate-related health emergencies will continue to push communities into deeper poverty and vulnerability.

Call to Action:

• Increase investments in climate-resilient health infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

• Develop green and low-carbon health systems that reduce emissions and increase sustainability in healthcare delivery.

• Ensure that healthcare workers are trained to respond to the health impacts of climate change through capacity-building initiatives.

3. Equitable Climate Finance for Health Adaptation

Africa urgently needs financial support to adapt its health systems to climate change. Despite the commitments made under the Paris Agreement, funding for health-related climate adaptation has been insufficient. The disproportionate impact of climate change on African health systems requires targeted and scaled-up financial flows to ensure that adaptation is effective, timely, and inclusive.

Call to Action:

• Establish a dedicated climate-health finance mechanism to support African nations in adapting their health systems to climate change.

• Ensure that 50% of all climate finance is allocated to adaptation, with a substantial proportion directed towards strengthening health systems.

• Support the development of community-driven, locally-led climate health adaptation projects, ensuring that funds reach the most vulnerable populations.

4. Food Security and Nutrition as a Climate and Health Priority

Climate change is driving food insecurity across Africa, leading to malnutrition, hunger, and poor health outcomes. Droughts, floods, and changing weather patterns are undermining food production, disrupting livelihoods, and exacerbating poverty. Ensuring food sovereignty and nutrition security is essential for protecting the health of African communities.

Call to Action:

• Promote climate-smart agriculture and the preservation of indigenous seeds to ensure food security and nutrition.

• Support research and innovation in agricultural practices that are resilient to climate change, enhancing food sovereignty across Africa.

• Integrate nutrition programs into national climate adaptation plans to address malnutrition exacerbated by climate change.

5. Justice, Equity, and Loss and Damage

At COP29, we must address the deep inequalities that exist in the global response to climate change. African nations are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis but have limited resources to cope. The health implications of loss and damage—displacement, disease, mental health impacts—are profound, and the global community must recognize and compensate for these losses.

Call to Action:

• Establish a loss and damage fund with a clear mechanism for compensating African nations for the health impacts of climate-related disasters.

• Ensure that vulnerable populations, including women, children, and marginalized communities, are prioritized in adaptation and compensation efforts.

• Recognize the non-economic losses (such as cultural heritage, mental health, and community displacement) caused by climate change, and address their long-term impacts on health.

6. Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building

African countries must be empowered to respond to the health challenges posed by climate change through capacity building and the sharing of best practices. Indigenous knowledge and locally-driven solutions are vital components of building resilient health systems in the face of climate change.

Call to Action:

• Strengthen regional and international collaborations to share knowledge on climate-health interventions and build the capacity of African health systems.

• Promote the use of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in climate adaptation and resilience-building strategies, recognizing the wisdom of local communities in addressing environmental challenges.

• Support the development of centres of excellence for climate and health research across Africa, fostering innovation and knowledge-sharing.

We urge global leaders, financial institutions, and international bodies to recognize that climate action is health action, and to commit the necessary resources and support to ensure that African communities can adapt to, and thrive in, a changing climate. Together, we can build a future where climate resilience and health equity go hand in hand, securing a sustainable and healthy future for all.