Climate change and urological health in sub-Saharan Africa: neglected risks and solutions

Climate change significantly threatens public health, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with underexplored impacts on urological health. Rising temperatures, water scarcity, and ecological shifts have fuelled increasing rates of kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and urogenital schistosomiasis in the region. Despite clear evidence linking dehydration and environmental factors to these conditions, major adaptation strategies from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the African Union (AU), and national governments largely neglect this issue. Critical gaps include limited diagnostic capacity, low public awareness, inadequate funding, and a shortage of specialists. This study highlights the need to integrate urological health into climate frameworks, invest in water and sanitation infrastructure, expand research and surveillance, and run targeted public health campaigns. A coordinated approach across health, water, environment, and education sectors is vital for climate-resilient health systems and long-term health equity in SSA.