The healthcare sector stands at the frontlines of the global climate crisis, bearing the brunt of its most severe impacts. As climate challenges escalate, health systems—especially in Africa—face unprecedented pressures. The need to construct climate-resilient health systems has become a critical imperative, as these systems must not only withstand the shocks of extreme weather but also protect the health and well-being of vulnerable communities.
At the 11th Tanzania Health Summit, held from 1 to 3 October 2024 in Zanzibar, Amref Health Africa in Tanzania took centre stage, driving crucial discussions on strengthening health systems to address the dual threats posed by climate change and emerging health crises. At a session themed “Strengthening Primary Health Facilities and Community Systems in Preparedness and Adaptation to Climate Change,” the summit spotlighted the deep interconnections between health, climate, and community resilience. By facilitating these discussions and showcasing its work, Amref solidified its role as a leading voice in Africa’s climate-health agenda, bringing together stakeholders from across the continent to forge sustainable solutions in Tanzania.
A Call to Action: Climate Change’s Growing Toll on Health
The consequences of climate change on health are unavoidable and far-reaching. In Tanzania, extreme weather events—floods, droughts, and landslides—have become more frequent and severe. The 2023 landslide in the Manyara region, which displaced 5,000 people, injured 139, and claimed 89 lives, underscored the pressing need for integrated climate and health interventions.
These climate shocks exacerbate health challenges such as the rise in vector-borne diseases, waterborne illnesses, and food insecurity. Vulnerable groups—including children, women, and the elderly—face the most significant risks, as their access to essential services is often limited during climate-induced emergencies. By taking a proactive stance at the Tanzania Health Summit, Amref demonstrated its commitment to addressing these issues head-on, leading the charge to build health systems that are better prepared to withstand the growing impact of climate change.
Amref’s Approach: Linking Climate Resilience with Health Systems
Amref’s 2023-2030 Corporate Strategy emphasises the development of climate-resilient health systems, guided by a people-centred, community-led approach that addresses the social determinants of health while bolstering Primary Health Care. During the Tanzania Health Summit, Amref’s contributions to climate-health resilience were showcased through infrastructure development, capacity-building, and climate-smart health interventions.
Amref Tanzania’s dedicated forum at the summit featured powerful addresses from Dr Florence Temu, Country Director, and Dr Aisa Muya, Director of Programmes. Their insights provided a clear pathway for aligning Tanzania’s health system with climate resilience objectives, ensuring that health outcomes are safeguarded against intensifying climate shocks.
Central to Amref’s efforts is the development of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. From constructing climate-proof water systems in Dodoma to enhancing sanitation in health facilities across Tanga, Simiyu, and Zanzibar, Amref’s WASH projects ensure communities have access to clean water—a fundamental determinant of health. This work reduces health risks linked to floods and droughts, which often disrupt water supply and sanitation services.
The adverse effects of climate change on food systems are equally concerning. Reduced crop yields and diminished food diversity contribute to hunger and malnutrition. At the summit, Amref’s initiatives to promote climate-smart agriculture, such as home gardening, were showcased as vital solutions. These initiatives enable communities to maintain food production despite erratic weather patterns, enhancing both health and nutrition outcomes.
A skilled workforce is essential to a climate-resilient health system. Amref’s investments in health worker training and its promotion of the One Health approach—which recognises the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health—ensure that health workers are equipped to manage outbreaks and deliver timely care.
Amref provides solar energy to health facilities in regions like Tanga and Simiyu and serves as a model for climate-smart healthcare delivery. By ensuring uninterrupted access to emergency and maternal health services, even during power outages caused by extreme weather, Amref is driving the shift towards more sustainable health systems.
Women and youth are also at the heart of Amref’s climate action strategy. The organisation supports these groups in producing climate-friendly products, such as fuel briquettes. This not only fosters environmental sustainability but also generates income for marginalised communities, enabling them to afford healthcare services and access the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Addressing Climate-Driven Disease Outbreaks
At the summit, Amref’s expert panellists underscored the need to combat vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, which are being exacerbated by climate change. Charles Mwalimu’s presentation highlighted how changing weather patterns create optimal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Community-based interventions, such as source reduction, household protection through window and door screens, and the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) to vulnerable groups, were identified as crucial measures to control disease transmission.
The risks of waterborne diseases like cholera are also heightened by climate change. Amref’s engineers demonstrated how collaborative, multi-sectoral efforts can prevent outbreaks. Their work on the Wami-Ruvu water basin initiative highlighted the value of coordinated action to reduce water scarcity and contamination, safeguarding public health.
Driving Collaborative Action
At the Tanzania Health Summit, Amref emphasised that effective responses to climate-induced health threats require cross-sector collaboration. Partnerships with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Water, Tanzania Meteorological Authority, and the CDC were highlighted as a model for multi-stakeholder engagement. These partnerships enable health systems to adapt to climate shocks and protect vulnerable communities from health crises.
The impact of Amref’s work was recognised at the summit’s closing ceremony, where Dr Florence Temu received a prestigious award from the late Dr Faustine Ndugulile, Regional Director-Elect for the World Health Organization Africa Regional Office. The award symbolised Amref’s contribution to driving climate-health solutions and its lasting impact on local and regional health systems.
Charting a Path to Resilient Health Systems
As the climate and health crisis deepens, Amref’s commitment to developing climate-resilient health systems remains unshaken. By prioritising WASH, food security, climate-smart energy, and community empowerment, Amref’s 2023-2030 strategy positions Tanzania as a regional leader in health system resilience. Its strategy places climate adaptation at the core of its health interventions, ensuring that communities can withstand climate shocks. With robust health infrastructure, a skilled health workforce, and empowered communities, Amref aims to create a future where health systems are not only fortified but thrive in the face of climate challenges.
The story from the 11th Tanzania Health Summit is a powerful reminder that health systems must evolve to meet the realities of a warming world. Through policy advocacy and on-the-ground interventions, Amref is shaping how African health systems can respond to climate change. As the climate crisis accelerates, Amref calls on governments, development partners, and communities to join forces in building climate-resilient health systems. By acting together, we can protect vulnerable populations from climate-induced health threats, ensuring health equity and sustainability for future generations.