Climate change and health in Africa: perspectives on effect on malaria and dengue fever

This paper explores the intersection of climate change and African public health, focusing on its impact on vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever. While climate change is increasingly recognized as a critical issue for sustainable development, its effects on health, mainly through the spread of these diseases, remain under-explored. As climate conditions shift, so do disease transmission patterns, creating new challenges for already strained healthcare systems. This paper advocates a more integrated approach to understanding the relationship between climate, society, and health in Africa by reviewing existing literature and databases. It highlights the urgent need for policies that strengthen disease surveillance, improve vector control, build climate-resilient health systems, and support community engagement and research. Addressing these interconnected issues is essential for mitigating the health impacts of climate change, particularly concerning malaria and dengue fever.