In a significant move to elevate the role of health in climate negotiations, the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) has officially designated health as a standalone negotiating stream within the group. This decision underscores the growing recognition of the critical nexus between climate change and health.
During the AGN Strategic Meeting held in Zanzibar in April 2025, Dr Richard Muyungi, Chair of the AGN, announced the formation of this dedicated stream, highlighting the urgent need for climate and health issues to be prioritised at the negotiating table.
“As you may be aware, the link between climate change and health is becoming increasingly evident,” said Dr Muyungi. “Given the disproportionate impacts climate change has on Africa, our health systems are under severe strain. As negotiators for Africa, it is crucial that we elevate health within our discussions and seek greater support for our health sector.”
To lead this new stream, Dr Muyungi appointed Dr Ama Essel, a seasoned health practitioner and experienced AGN negotiator, as Lead Coordinator for Climate and Health. Dr Essel, who has long advocated for health’s inclusion in climate negotiations, welcomed the appointment as a pivotal step for African health advocacy.
“I have been looking forward to this day,” said Dr Essel. “As a medical practitioner who has seen firsthand how climate change negatively impacts health, it is a relief to see health finally recognised as a standalone theme within the African group. While global recognition remains a challenge, this step marks a major victory in ensuring our sector’s voice is heard in climate discussions.”
Amref Health Africa, through its climate and health advocacy, has been a driving force behind this decision, consistently pushing for the elevation of health in climate negotiations. Until now, health had been part of the broader Adaptation theme, often overshadowed by other pressing issues. This new stream will allow health to be given the focused attention it urgently requires.
Other key thematic streams within the AGN include Mitigation, Finance, Agriculture, Gender, Technology Transfer, and Transparency, among others. The AGN plays a pivotal role in representing Africa’s interests at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations, ensuring the continent’s unified voice is heard.
This landmark decision to formalise health as a standalone negotiating stream represents a crucial step in placing health at the centre of climate action discussions, setting the stage for stronger advocacy and impactful solutions to address the health challenges posed by climate change.