The World Health Organization (WHO) has projected that climate change will lead to an additional 250,000 deaths annually between 2030 and 2050, primarily from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress.
Prof. Elijah Songok, Acting Director General of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) while addressing the attendees of the 3rd Health and Climate Change Conference in Machakos highlighted the staggering economic costs associated with health impacts.
He estimated that by 2030, direct health costs related to climate change could reach between 2 billion dollars and 4 billion dollars per year, excluding expenses in sectors like agriculture and sanitation.
“Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress alone,” Prof Elijah Songok stated.
“The economic cost of climate change-related health impacts is equally staggering. By 2030, the direct health costs, excluding costs in health-determining sectors such as agriculture, water, and sanitation are estimated to reach between 2 and 4 billion US dollars per year,” He added.
Prof. Songok emphasized the alarming forecast for Africa, where agricultural yields could decline by up to 20% by 2050, exacerbating food insecurity and increasing malnutrition, particularly among children. He pointed out that Kenya is already experiencing a rise in climate-sensitive diseases such as cholera and malaria.
“KEMRI is dedicated to conducting research that informs policy and offers evidence-based solutions to these pressing challenges,” Prof. Songok added.
He underscored the importance of collective action to enhance health systems’ resilience against the impacts of climate change.
“The actions we take today will shape the health and well-being of future generations. By advancing climate action within the health sector, we are not only addressing an immediate crisis but also laying the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable world,” he added.
The conference, which will run until Friday, October 18, 2024, was officially opened by Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni Muriuki.
