Methods
The HE²AT Center brings together a transdisciplinary team of academic and non-academic partners from three regions of Africa—South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, and Kenya—and collaborators from the United States. The project includes two main research sub-projects:
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Maternal and Newborn Health: Research Project 1 (RP1) investigates the impact of extreme heat on maternal and newborn health across Africa. Using existing data from research studies and routine health information systems, the project analyses data from multiple countries to assess the health effects of extreme heat and evaluate various health indicators.
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Urban Heat Island Effect: Research Project 2 studies the urban heat island effect in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. By combining satellite data, environmental data (e.g., vegetation, air pollution), and health outcome data from clinical trials and cohorts, this project will develop an EWS that can predict extreme heat events. The EWS will use machine learning to tailor risk warnings based on individual characteristics like age, location, and health factors, providing more targeted risk communication than existing systems.
The HE²AT Center also serves as a platform for future climate and health research projects across Africa