Accra, July 16, GNA – A consortium to strengthen Africa-led climate and health research and support evidence-based policymaking has been launched in Accra.
The Climate and Health Science and Policy Consortium in Africa seeks to generate scientific evidence to help governments respond to the health impacts of climate change across the continent.
The consortium, supported by the Wellcome Trust, a philantropic foundation, was launched on Wednesday and brought together researchers, policymakers, health professionals and community organisations.
Professor David Asamoah, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), said Africa remained among the regions most vulnerable to climate change despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions.
He said climate change was increasingly influencing malaria transmission, while flooding contributed to cholera outbreaks and drought heightened food insecurity and malnutrition, placing additional pressure on health systems.
“The evidence is clear, the risks are growing, and the cost of inaction is far too high. But this moment also presents an opportunity, an opportunity for Africa to lead with knowledge, innovation, and coordinated action,” Prof. Asamoah said.
Prof. Asamoah said the consortium would promote locally led research, strengthen early warning systems, support evidence-based policymaking and protect vulnerable populations.
“What is required now is stronger coordination between science, policy, financing, and implementation. And that is precisely why this consortium matters,” he said.
Ms Modi Mwatsama, Head of Capacity and Field Development, Climate and Health at the Wellcome Trust, said recent climate-related events demonstrated the urgency of coordinated action.
She said the United Kingdom had experienced its third heatwave of the summer, while recent flooding in Accra had claimed 12 lives and displaced about 55,000 people.
Ms Mwatsama said a confirmed El Niño weather pattern was expected to bring hotter temperatures and reduced rainfall to southern Africa, increased flooding in East Africa, and delayed rains and drought risks in West Africa.
“The recent floods are a reminder that climate change affects all of society, health, lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and the economy. The health sector alone cannot solve this problem,” she said.
Ms Mwatsama said climate and health research in sub-Saharan Africa remained limited despite increasing climate-related risks, leaving policymakers with insufficient evidence on effective interventions.
“What we now need is evidence of how best to prepare for and address these impacts. Policymakers need to know what works, what are those solutions that deliver benefits across multiple sectors at once?” shesaid.
The consortium aims to bring together scientists, policymakers and community groups to develop Africa-led solutions to climate-related health challenges.
KNUST, one of the consortium’s institutional partners, will serve as a regional hub for research on climate-resilient food systems, water security, urban sustainability and renewable energy in West Africa.
