Climate change takes a toll on health: Experts sound alarm

1 July 2025, 9:37 pm

Byamukama Alozious

During a webinar hosted by Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (MESHA) and Health Journalists Network Uganda (HEJNU), experts from Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania and others came together to seek solutions to the pressing issue of climate change’s impact on health and gender.

Dominic Nyasulu, National Coordinator of NYNCC, highlighted the alarming statistics from Malawi, where over 50 disasters associated with hydrometeorological events, including storms, floods, landslides, and droughts, have been reported since 1980, affecting millions of people.

Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which hit southern Malawi in March 2023, caused flash floods, mudslides, and widespread destruction. The total effects of the cyclone are estimated at $506.7 million, with physical damages valued at $347.2 million and economic losses assessed at $159.5 million.

The experts also pointed out that biomass provides 97% of Malawi’s energy, with 59% used as firewood and 41% converted to charcoal, leading to extremely high Household Air Pollution (HAP). HAP is the leading environmental cause of death, affecting two-thirds of the global population. In Malawi, HAP is the greatest air pollution threat, with fine particulate matter levels far exceeding safe limits.

The experts stressed that climate change exacerbates existing gender disparities, particularly in agriculture, livelihoods, and resource access. Climate change can increase acts of gender-based violence, contribute to a rise in child marriage, worsen maternal and neonatal outcomes, disrupt sexual and reproductive health, and limit access to contraception.

Mweetwa Mudenda, from Lusaka Apex Medical University, emphasized the need for urban cooling and adaptation strategies in Zambia, where urban heat and air pollution pose significant health risks.

Brighton Aryampa, Ugandan Climate Advocate and Team Leader of Youths for Green Communities (YGC), added his voice to the call for action, highlighting the importance of youth-led initiatives in addressing the climate crisis.

The webinar highlighted the importance of addressing the health impacts of climate change, including maternal health, non-communicable diseases, and mental health disorders. The experts called for collective action to mitigate the impacts of climate change on health and build a more resilient future for Africa.

As the world prepares for the UN COP30 in Brazil, the experts emphasized the need for a climate and health national strategy.