As climate change accelerates, the world’s most vulnerable populations are facing a growing set of challenges at the intersection of climate change and health. Neglected diseases, as well as infectious diseases such as malaria, disproportionately affect communities in regions hardest hit by extreme weather, shifting rainfall patterns, and rising temperatures. These changes not only hinder progress toward eliminating these diseases but also create an urgent need for coordinated solutions across local, national, and global levels.
On September 5, 2024, Panorama Strategy and the END Fund hosted the Partners Forum: Country Perspectives on Ending Neglected Diseases within Climate Resilient Health Systems. This virtual convening brought together leaders from community organizations, governments, and multilateral institutions to discuss the integration of climate action into health system strengthening efforts—particularly in regions most vulnerable to climate impacts.
Speakers and Their Insights
The forum featured a dynamic lineup of distinguished leaders, each bringing unique perspectives on the intersection of climate change and health. Moderated by Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, Director at Amref Health Africa, the discussion was guided by her deep expertise in public health and commitment to addressing health disparities in Africa. Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Global CEO of Amref Health Africa, opened with a call to urgently address the intersecting challenges of climate change and disease, setting the tone for a solutions-oriented discussion.
Keynote speaker Dr. Daniel Ngamije Madandi, Director of the Global Malaria Programme at the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasized the need for adaptive and resilient approaches to disease elimination in the face of climate instability, an idea that the expert panel delved into more deeply with their own country experiences; Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), highlighted the role of African leadership in crafting policies to tackle climate and disease; Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) stressed the importance of climate justice and amplifying the voices of the most affected communities; and Nancy Chebichii, Research Officer at KEMRI CLEAN-Air, shared insights from Kenya on the importance of localized, climate-resilient solutions for vulnerable populations.
Key Themes and Discussions
Throughout the forum, several critical themes emerged, shaping the roadmap for future action.
1) Bridging data gaps and developing actionable tools
A major barrier to integrating climate and health strategies is the lack of localized data and actionable tools. While data is being generated, translating it into practical, on-the-ground solutions remains a challenge. To address these gaps, global donors must prioritize not only data collection but also the development of practical tools that help policymakers and local health leaders take evidence-based actions.
2) Addressing inequity through integrated climate and health interventions
Climate change exacerbates existing health inequities, particularly in African regions that contribute minimally to global emissions but bear the brunt of climate impacts. Amref Health Africa’s endorsement of the Common African Position on Climate Change & Health, along with the progress made by Kenya and Ethiopia in integrating climate action into health systems, illustrates how combining climate action with health system strengthening can enhance resilience in underfunded regions.
3) Advancing locally led adaptation plans and tools
Local leadership is crucial for ensuring climate adaptation and health strategies are tailored to community needs. Rwanda’s integration of climate and health policies, and Ethiopia’s Climate Resilient Green Economy initiative, show how national adaptation plans (NAPs) can be adapted to local contexts. However, many countries still lack the tools to implement these plans effectively. Additionally, the elitist nature of climate discourse often leaves communities feeling disconnected from global dialogues and solutions.
4) Overcoming financing and resource allocation barriers
Financing remains a critical obstacle to building climate-resilient health systems. While global donors are engaged, complex funding mechanisms and inadequate resources disproportionately impact poorer nations. Ethiopia, for example, faces challenges with insufficient water, sanitation, and energy infrastructure, which limits its capacity to respond to climate-induced health threats. Community engagement and streamlined access to funding and targeted resource allocation are essential for addressing these gaps.
5) Promoting cross-sectoral collaboration to break down silos
The fight against climate change and NTDs requires collaboration across multiple sectors—health, agriculture, and environment among them. Yet, fragmentation remains a persistent issue. Speakers highlighted the “One Health” approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, as a promising model. Countries like Botswana are already embracing this strategy, and scaling such efforts globally will be key to creating truly resilient health systems.
Building on Global Dialogue
The forum built on the dialogue generated by the recently published ‘Policy Perspectives: The Importance of Climate Action for NTD Elimination and Health Systems’ and the WHO’s scoping review, both of which call for a coordinated, systemic response to the intertwined challenges of climate change and disease elimination.
In the coming weeks, Panorama Strategy will release a Country Perspectives Brief, capturing the rich dialogue from the forum and offering actionable insights for policymakers, donors, and health practitioners. This brief will highlight examples from countries leading the way in building climate-resilient health systems, as well as recommendations for integrating climate action into NTD elimination efforts.
Watch the full webinar recording and download the Partner Perspectives Paper here. These resources provide an in-depth look at how building climate-resilient health systems is essential for tackling NTDs and ensuring sustainable health outcomes in vulnerable regions.
