African states asked to allocate resources to mitigate impact of climate change on health systems

Omar Abdi, Deputy Executive Director United Nations Children's Fund during Strategic Dinner Dialogue with African ministers and donors on Climate, Health at the margins of Africa Climate Summit on September 3, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has pleaded with African states to allocate more resources to handle the health crises caused by the adverse impact of climate change.

WHO Director of Universal Health Coverage in Africa, Dr Adelheid Onyango, said it is worrying that Africa is grappling with the negative impact of climate change that might cripple its health system.

Onyango said the continent heavily depends on donor support, which is not sustainable. He cited the Covid-19 pandemic where developed countries prioritized their needs, as African states struggled to sustain health systems.