PACJA Calls for Centring Health in Climate Policies for Health Equity Promotion

During the two-day High-Level Climate Change and Health workshop, which took place on the sidelines of the Tenth Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, PACJA urged the promotion of health equity. He said this in the inaugural speech at the High-Level Climate Change and Health Session, which was held on 19^th April 2024, on the sidelines of the Tenth Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The session reflected on how to centre Health in Climate  Equity for a robust Policy Landscape in Africa.

The event brought together various stakeholders in the field of climate change and health, such as Civil Society Organizations, Government Representatives, and Academia, among others. It is estimated that up to 60% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, and Africa has experienced a 63% increase in such diseases.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Mithika Mwenda, the Executive Director of PACJA, reminded participants that policies are crucial to promoting health equity by addressing the social, economic, and environmental determinants of health. “Ensuring the integration of health into climate policymaking protects populations, maximizes economic benefits, and builds public backing for ambitious climate policies which are so urgently needed,” said Dr Mithika.

He pointed out that there is a discrepancy between the emphasis on health in NDCs and the climate. This indicates a lack of correlation between the recognition of the health implications of climate change and the opportunities for climate action, as well as the level of climate ambition demonstrated by many countries. Therefore, increased recognition of health does not necessarily lead to increased climate action.

Read the full remarks here