Brazzaville – Eight South African countries have embarked on groundbreaking efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and response systems in the face of an increase in climate-related health threats.
Financial support from the Pandemic Fund and technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO) in the African region and other partners, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, is protecting public health and improving our ability to respond to emergencies.
The 35 million US$35 million three-year program aims to support these countries to strengthen national and local systems for early warning, disease surveillance, laboratory diagnosis and workforce development.
Although implementation activities have not yet begun on the ground, coordinated planning efforts are ongoing, including establishing governance structures at the national and regional levels. Through dedicated technical coordination capabilities at WHO Emergency Hub in Nairobi, Kenya, we have implemented a system to ensure agile implementation and project monitoring, evaluation, research and learning over a three-year project period.
To date, all eight countries have convened a Multidisciplinary Steering Committee to carry out detailed micro-planning activities with key stakeholders. Additionally, early funds are paid to the country, marking important initial milestones with regionally coordinated, state-led initiatives to build climate-sensitive health systems.
An official launch event is planned next month.
“This investment represents an important turning point for South Africa, a region at the forefront of climate and health crisis. The countries now play the regional director of Africa, said Dr. Chikwe Yekwes.
South Africa is warming almost twice the global average. Droughts, floods and cyclones are becoming more frequent and severe, promoting the spread of vectors and waterborne diseases such as malaria and cholera, adding strains to health systems.
Five countries involved in the initiative – Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe are ranked among the 50 most vulnerable countries in the world, the most vulnerable to infectious diseases. Many also face high climate risks, exacerbated by structural challenges such as weak infrastructure, limited resources and high levels of transnational migration, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated preparation across the region.
The new programme, developed under national government leadership, focuses on addressing key gaps in three priority areas.
Early warning and disease surveillance: Enhance real-time, cross-border detection and information sharing systems across one health spectrum, including human, animal and environmental health. Experimental systems: Enhanced domestic and local laboratory networks, including upgrades in diagnostic capabilities and regional testing hubs. Public Health and Community Workforce: Supporting the development of a skilled, coordinated workforce that is consistent with national personnel for health strategies.
This proposal was developed as part of the Common African approach under the Joint Emergency Action Plan. The proposal development was supported by the Gates Foundation.
It is based on existing primary health care and community health initiatives and is in line with global standards such as the International Health Regulations (2005) and One Health Approach.
One of the most ambitious long-term goals is to create a Climate Sanitation Observatory, a platform that supports climate warning systems and a platform that supports evidence-based decision-making by tracking climate-sensitive health risks across the border. Observatory promotes data-driven policymaking and promotes long-term resilience in the region.
Additionally, the program will help strengthen leadership and governance by establishing a connected regional network of leadership across the Ministry of Health and the national public health agency, allowing for quicker and smarter coordination during response to emerging threats.
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“These efforts are essential in areas with frequent population movements, vulnerable health systems and limited emergency response capabilities,” said Dr. Abdou Salam Gay, Regional Emergency Director in Africa. “Our role is to support a country with the expertise, tools and evidence needed to effectively lead these efforts.”
The funding will be provided by the Pandemic Fund. It supports low- and middle-income countries’ ability to prevent, prepare and respond to the pandemic. The program also helps to build a sustainable and resilient health system that can withstand future pandemics and climate shocks.
Working together and strong technical support from WHO and partners, South African countries are laying the foundation for a scalable model for climate-sensitive health security, based on national ownership, regional solidarity and a common commitment to health and life savings.
