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."