How does climate change impact health in the African primary care context?

Abstract

Primary health care in the African setting is the foundational level for accessing health services; but the quality of services is often challenged by different systemic vulnerabilities. Climate change occurs as a threat multiplier that amplifies these vulnerabilities. This continuing professional development article aims to update the knowledge of primary care providers with evidence-based information on the impact of climate change on health, healthcare services and facilities. The article uses the planetary health framework to explain the pathways from the ecological crisis to its health and social effects. Climate change and pollution are among the global ecological drivers that impact health and society via various proximate causes, such as changes in food production, water quality and quantity, and extreme weather events (e.g. frequent heatwaves, droughts, heavy rainfall and flooding). The effects can be mediated by factors such as wealth, governance, leadership, technology and the strength of the health system. The potential effects on health span the burden of disease from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases, to mental health problems, maternal and child health, as well as injury and trauma. Social effects such as conflict, displacement, loss of livelihoods and migration have additional effects on health and wellbeing. Primary care providers need to understand how climate change will impact their communities and alter primary care morbidity and mortality. Providers need to prepare, build resilience and explain to patients how climate change is contributing to their health needs and disease patterns.