Climate Change
The Director General of Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Professor Elijah Songok has disclosed that the Impact of Climate Change is also a Public Health Crisis affecting most African countries.
Songok noted that the effects of Climate change are not just environmental, Social or economic but mostly a Public Health Crisis. The KEMRI boss was speaking at the ongoing 3rd Health and Climate Change conference held at the Machakos Convention Centre from the 15th -18th October.
He pointed out that poor health from the low – and middle income countries comes from the impact of Climate change such as rising temperatures, shifting disease patterns, extreme weather and environmental degradation. Songok further revealed that in Africa climate change is predicted to reduce agricultural production upto 20% by 2050 which will result in food insecurity leading to malnutrition.
He added that health impacts of Climate change are costly and are estimated to cost 2-4 billion Us dollars a year which is one of the major reasons for the convergence of Climate change actors at the conference. However, he noted that “The importance of the conference is creating a platform that will bridge gaps between research and implementation,” said DG KEMRI.
Songok highlighted the need for practical implementation strategies for climate resilient systems and the importance of strategies in dealing with climate related health risks for the vulnerable people to be able to easily access healthcare without getting into poverty.
” As a Research institution, KEMRI is committed to conducting research that informs policy and provides evidence-based solutions,” added Songok. On his part Chairman KEMRI Board of Directors Dr. Abdulahi Ali reiterated that the conference intends to spark tangible actions which will positively affect millions of lives.
“This conference is not just an academic exercise but a call to action,” said Dr. Abdulahi. Abdulahi noted that the Board of Directors was fully supporting KEMRI in their role of leading research, shaping policy, fostering partnerships and supporting initiatives that arise from the ongoing conference.
He urged the delegates to use the opportunity to form new alliances, to share ideas and commit to actions that will make a real difference.