Africa’s pivotal role in the global fight against climate change and its health impacts will take centre stage at the inaugural Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC 2024), to be held from 29-31 October 2024 in Harare, Zimbabwe. The Africa-focused conference, a first of its kind, will bring together over 400 delegates from 30 countries across Africa, including Ministers of Health and/or their representatives, 59 sponsored Early Career Researchers across Africa, healthcare professionals, leading researchers from around the globe, and funders involved in the Climate and Health nexus.
A Pan-African Initiative for Collective Action
As Africa faces a disproportionate burden of climate-sensitive diseases, CHAC 2024 offers a platform for African nations to present groundbreaking research and best practices, align strategies, share solutions, and build partnerships to create climate-resilient health systems. This conference will play a critical role in shaping future health and climate policies, with a focus on unity, collaboration, and innovative solutions designed for the African context.
The conference will run under the theme: Cultivating Resilience in Health: Towards Unified Strategies for Climate Adaption and Mitigation in Africa.
Hosted by the Zimbabwean Ministry of Health and Child Care and Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, in collaboration with CeSHHAR Zimbabwe. Supported by the Wellcome Trust, CHAC 2024 is backed by an extensive network of distinguished partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Nature Medicine, HIGH Horizons, Midlands State University, HE²AT Center, and the Climate and Health Africa Network for Collaboration and Engagement (CHANCE).
CHAC 2024 will feature expert panels, scientific presentations, and policy discussions on:
- Understanding the physiological and biological mechanisms through which climate change and environmental factors impact human health.
- Environmental exposures and climate-health epidemiology.
- Adaptation interventions and building climate resilient health systems
- Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable practices, and implement policies and interventions that contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment.
- Ethics and climate research equity.
CHAC2024 will feature an extensive delegation of experts across various fields of scientific research, research funding, policy, and practice.
Key Speakers:
- Fortunate Machingura, CHAC 2024 conference Chair, Lecturer – Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (UK), Director – Climate, Environment and Health, CeSHHAR, Zimbabwe
- Dr. Douglas Mombeshora , Minister of Health and Childcare, Zimbabwe
- Sithembiso Nyoni, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Zimbabwe
- Modi Mwatsama, Head of Capacity & Field Development for Climate & Health at Wellcome Trust. UNITED KINGDOM
- Henry Mwandumba, Director of the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme.
- Guéladio Cissé, Professor Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques (CSRS), in Côte d’Ivoire
- Matthew Chersich, Professor – Wits Planetary Health Research Unit, University fo the Witwatersrand, South Africa
- Christopher Jack, Deputy Director at the Climate System Analysis Group, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Actionable Outcomes
CHAC 2024 will not only focus on scientific discussions but will also produce actionable outcomes, including the launch of the Harare Declaration on Climate and Health in Africa, outlining a unified approach to combat climate-related health priority actions. Blueprints for climate adaptation-mitigation plans, tailored to African nations, will also be unveiled, guiding future policy decisions and partnerships.
A Vision for the Future
CHAC 2024 is set to redefine Africa’s approach to climate and health, fostering sustainable partnerships and innovative policies that will protect public health and promote equity. Through collaboration and collective action, this conference will place Africa at the forefront of the global climate-health agenda.
