Conducting cutting-edge planetary health research

October 29-31, 2024 | Harare, Zimbabwe

The inaugural Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC2024) united over 400 delegates from 30 African nations—including Ministers of Health, researchers, and funders—to address the critical and complex interplay between climate change and health.

Hosted by CeSHHAR Zimbabwe, in partnership with Zimbabwe's Ministries of Environment and Health, and supported by global organisations such as the Wellcome Trust and the World Health Organization (WHO), the conference paved the way for transformative dialogue and action across the continent.

Groundbreaking Contributions

Leading experts at CHAC2024 shared innovative insights into advancing climate-health research in Africa, spotlighting the need for robust, locally-led solutions to mitigate the health impacts of climate change.

Researchers from Wits Planetary Health Research (Wits PHR) made significant contributions through:

  • Keynote Presentations
  • Oral Sessions
  • Posters
  • Satellite Events

Additionally, the HE²AT Centre hosted impactful satellite sessions, including:

  • Vulnerability and Hazard Mapping
  • Capacity Building Workshops for early-career researchers.
  • A Consortium Open Session to foster regional collaboration.

The Harare Declaration on Climate and Health in Africa

The Harare Declaration Preamble. Image Credit: The Climate and Health Africa Conference (2024). Source

On 31 October 2024, the conference concluded with the adoption of the Harare Declaration on Climate and Health in Africa. This pivotal framework is a powerful testament to Africa's unified and proactive approach to tackling the health impacts of climate change. Signed by representatives from 54 nations, including 30 African states, the Declaration champions a people-centered vision for climate resilience. It boldly states,

“Africa should no longer be a passive recipient of global solutions, but a proactive architect of its own future systems for better health and wellbeing.”

The Declaration outlines six urgent priorities for climate-health resilience, reinforcing the reality that climate change is both an environmental and a health crisis, with disproportionate effects on African populations.

As Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Africa Regional Director, stated:

"Ensuring health systems resilience is key to tackling the challenges posed by climate change."

Looking Ahead: A Healthier, Climate-Resilient Africa

CHAC2024 was more than a conference—it marked a pivotal step towards empowering Africa to lead in building resilient health systems capable of addressing the challenges of climate change.

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