Amref Health Africa at COP29
November 11- 22, Baku, Azerbaijan
#AmrefHealthAfrica | #AmrefAtCOP29 | #COP29
Amref Health Africa joins heads of state, ministers, negotiators, climate activists, civil society, and the private sector at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, for two weeks of essential negotiations, dynamic discussions, and global collaboration to confront the escalating climate crisis and its profound impact on human health. While health is not a primary theme for this year’s negotiations, Amref is calling on leaders to break down silos and integrate health considerations into all climate discussions—including finance, mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage—recognising that the direct impacts of climate change are most devastating for vulnerable communities worldwide.
Following COP28’s landmark adoption of the first-ever Declaration on Climate and Health, which confirmed the deep interconnections between climate policy and human well-being, COP29 must now translate this recognition into tangible outcomes. Amref’s advocacy will focus on advancing these goals through a series of impactful side events.
Side Events
Advancing Political Commitments On Climate And Health Financing: Where Is The Global South Voice?
Amref Health Africa, in collaboration with the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) and the Africa Europe Foundation, is hosting a high-level discussion to address the pressing need for equitable climate financing that includes health as a central pillar. This event comes at a crucial moment when nations are expected to adopt a New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance and bridge the divide between climate finance pledges and the delivery of actual resources. The dialogue will bring together ministers, policymakers, and health advocates to spotlight Africa’s specific climate-health challenges, guided by the Africa Common Position on Climate and Health. Given recent resolutions from the World Health Assembly and the emphasis on a ONE health approach, this convening will seek commitments to ensure climate finance is accessible, predictable, and impactful for health systems across Africa.
The event aims to produce an Africa-Europe Climate-Health Roadmap, which will set health at the core of climate action negotiations and establish principles for financing climate-resilient health systems. By fostering bold political commitments, the roadmap will address tracking mechanisms, advocate for non-debt-burdening financial models, and promote accountability in fund allocations. With the participation of notable figures, including Nigeria's Minister of Environment, this session will underline the critical role of climate-resilient health systems in sustainable development, paving the way for stronger commitments leading into COP30 and beyond.
High-Level Policy Dialogue On Climate Change And Health And The Official Launch Of The Pan-African Partnership On Climate And Health (Ppch)
At the sidelines of COP29, Amref Health Africa, alongside the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) and the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), will convene a High-Level Policy Dialogue on Climate Change and Health. This event will not only spotlight the urgent health impacts of climate change in Africa but also serve as the official launch of the Pan-African Partnership on Climate and Health (PPCH). As climate-induced challenges like air pollution, extreme weather, and infectious diseases increasingly endanger communities worldwide—especially in Africa—the PPCH seeks to strengthen climate health advocacy by integrating African climate and health priorities into global agendas, building on frameworks like the COP28 Declaration and the recent WHO Resolution on Climate Change and Health.
The dialogue aims to amplify African voices, advocating for health-centered climate policies and mobilising funding to support initiatives within the New Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance. Key objectives include embedding health considerations in COP29 climate actions and shaping indicators under the Global Goal on Adaptation programme. This event will bring together ministers, civil society leaders, and financial institutions to reinforce Africa’s priorities, culminating in a joint policy statement and a communique advocating for a unified African response to climate-related health issues.
Climate Change and Health: Perspectives of Young People from The Global South
Amref Health Africa and PACJA will co-host a side event titled "Climate and Health: Youth Perspectives from the Global South" at the sidelines of COP29. Building on the climate-health momentum established at COP28, this forum will emphasise the vital role of young voices from Africa and other Global South regions in shaping climate and health policies. Youth perspectives, particularly those from Africa, offer unique lived experiences and innovative approaches to combating climate impacts on health. Their contributions are essential for ensuring that the urgent needs of vulnerable populations are central to COP29 discussions, particularly regarding health inclusivity in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
This event will present research findings from the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice (NSSCJ) on Climate and Health Awareness among African youth, highlighting youth-led insights and innovations that can drive effective climate action.
Key outcomes include advocating for the inclusion of youth viewpoints in Global Goal on Health indicators for Africa, showcasing youth-driven solutions related to loss and damage, and enhancing youth participation in climate finance dialogues.
Through a multistakeholder format, the forum aims to bring together policymakers, civil society, and youth leaders for inclusive, actionable conversations that underscore the urgency of embedding youth-led climate resilience in health policies across Africa and beyond.
Integrating WASH into Climate and Health Negotiations: A Crucial Nexus for Climate-Resilient Health Systems in Africa.
At COP29, Amref Health Africa and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) will bring WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) to the forefront of climate and health discussions in a pivotal side event titled “Integrating WASH into Climate and Health Negotiations: A Crucial Nexus for Climate-Resilient Health Systems in Africa.” In regions across Africa, where climate change severely impacts water resources and sanitation, communities face increasing health risks due to limited infrastructure and resources.
This side event will emphasise that without addressing WASH in climate resilience strategies, public health systems remain vulnerable to climate impacts, especially as safe water access becomes more strained. With African voices leading the call for change, this event will advocate for integrating WASH within Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to strengthen health resilience across the continent, building a future where communities can thrive despite climate challenges.
Our Speakers
Meet the Amref Team at the World Health Summit (WHS) 2024
Social Media Toolkit
AmrefAtCOP29: Championing climate-resilient health systems in Africa through health-focused, equitable climate policies and sustainable financing.
We invite you to join our climate-health advocacy by sharing the key messages and the infographics below with your audience. Feel free to tailor make them to fit the content needs of your audience. While posting, remember to tag @Amref_Worldwide @Daktari1.
Graphics
Graphics French
Key Messages
Tackling climate change and health challenges calls for a unified approach. Integrating animal, environmental, and human health through the One Health framework builds resilience for a sustainable future. #AmrefAtCOP29 #COP29
Real climate action needs real investment. Political commitment to climate and health financing can drive adaptation projects that protect vulnerable communities. Let’s turn promises into impact. #AmrefAtCOP29 #COP29
To protect health, countries must prioritise climate adaptation in Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans. Health should be at the heart of every climate strategy. #AmrefAtCOP29 #COP29
Advancing climate and health solutions depends on bold political commitments. Leaders must champion policies that protect health for equitable and sustainable growth. #AmrefAtCOP29 #COP29
Tackling climate change and health challenges calls for a unified approach. Integrating animal, environmental, and human health through the One Health framework builds resilience for a sustainable future. #AmrefAtCOP29 #COP29
Real climate action needs real investment. Political commitment to climate and health financing can drive adaptation projects that protect vulnerable communities. Let’s turn promises into impact. #AmrefAtCOP29 #COP29
To protect health, countries must prioritise climate adaptation in Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans. Health should be at the heart of every climate strategy. #AmrefAtCOP29 #COP29
Advancing climate and health solutions depends on bold political commitments. Leaders must champion policies that protect health for equitable and sustainable growth. #AmrefAtCOP29 #COP29
Resilient health systems are essential for a climate-ready future. Investing in sustainable, climate-proof health solutions today will secure healthier communities tomorrow. #AmrefAtCOP29 #COP29
Global partnerships and shared political will are crucial for climate and health financing. Working together on aligned goals transforms plans into meaningful progress. #AmrefAtCOP29 #COP29
Financing climate and health resilience isn’t optional—it’s essential. We need political commitment to fund systems that withstand climate impacts and protect the most vulnerable." #AmrefAtCOP29 #COP29
Incorporating health into climate policy strengthens resilience. Countries must integrate health priorities into climate goals to address current and future climate threats. #AmrefAtCOP29 #COP29
Key Messages French
Aborder les défis du changement climatique et de la santé nécessite une approche unifiée. Intégrer la santé animale, environnementale et humaine grâce au cadre "One Health" renforce la résilience pour un avenir durable. #AmrefAtCOP29 #COP29
Une véritable action climatique nécessite un véritable investissement. L'engagement politique en faveur du financement du climat et de la santé peut conduire à des projets d'adaptation qui protègent les communautés vulnérables. Transformons les promesses en impact. #AmrefAtCOP29 #COP29
Pour protéger la santé, les pays doivent donner la priorité à l'adaptation au climat dans les contributions déterminées au niveau national et les plans nationaux d'adaptation. La santé doit être au cœur de toute stratégie climatique. #AmrefAtCOP29 #COP29
L'avancement des solutions en matière de climat et de santé dépend d'engagements politiques audacieux. Les dirigeants doivent défendre des politiques qui protègent la santé pour une croissance équitable et durable. #AmrefAtCOP29 #COP29
Des systèmes de santé résilients sont essentiels pour un avenir prêt pour le climat. Investir aujourd'hui dans des solutions de santé durables et résistantes au climat garantira des communautés plus saines demain. #AmrefAtCOP29 #COP29
Les partenariats mondiaux et une volonté politique partagée sont essentiels pour le financement de la santé et du climat. Travailler ensemble sur des objectifs alignés transforme les plans en progrès significatifs. #AmrefAtCOP29 #COP29