Public Health and Occupational Safety Journal (PHOSJ)
Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026): Public Health and Occupational Safety Journal (PHOSJ)

Climate change and public health in Africa: A narrative review of resilience strategies for health systems

Kabiru Gulma (School of Global Health and Bioethics, Euclid University, Banjul)
Sa’adatu M. Julde (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano)
Isman Wais (Euclid Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale de Djibouti)
Emmanuel Morna (Doctoral Programme in Monitoring, Measurement and Evaluation, Euclid University, Bangui)
Abubakar S. Danbatta (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano)
Bakam Rodine (Doctoral Programme in Global Energy Policy, Euclid University, Douala)
Anastacia Katungo Maluki (Doctoral Programme in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Euclid University, Banjul)



Article Info

Publish Date
24 May 2026

Abstract

Background: Climate change poses an escalating threat to public health in Africa, a continent responsible for less than 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions yet disproportionately bearing the burden of its consequences. Existing health systems remain fragile, under-resourced, and ill-equipped to absorb climate-related shocks. Objectives: To synthesize evidence on the health impacts of climate change in Africa and identify strategies for building climate-resilient health systems. Methods: This study is a narrative literature review. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed databases and gray literature was conducted. Sources were screened against predefined inclusion criteria and synthesized thematically across six domains: climate science, contextual vulnerabilities, health systems strengthening, governance, community engagement, and financing. A total of 22 studies and reports were included and analyzed using thematic synthesis following Thomas and Harden’s (2008) three-step approach. Results: Climate change intensifies the burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases, disrupts health infrastructure, and deepens health inequities across African regions. Resilience-building requires strengthened governance, sustained domestic and international financing, multisectoral partnerships, community engagement, and climate-adaptive health information systems. Conclusions: Concerted, context-sensitive action that integrates climate adaptation into health policy frameworks is urgently needed to protect the health and well-being of African populations from the accelerating impacts of climate change. Practical implications include strengthening health system governance, mobilizing climate finance, investing in climate-adaptive surveillance systems, and fostering community engagement and multisectoral collaboration to build durable climate resilience across African health systems.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

phosj

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Public Health Other

Description

The Journal of Public Health and Occupational Safety (PHOSJ) is a scientific journal that publishes research articles, literature reviews, and field reports in the fields of public health, epidemiology, and occupational safety and health (OSH). This journal is a scientific communication platform ...