The Pan-African Conference on Environment, Climate Change and Health kicks Off.

By Stella Njung’e

Nairobi is abuzz with activity as the Pan-African Conference on Environment, Climate Change and Health: Science to Policy officially kicked off. The three-day gathering has drawn over 500 researchers, policymakers, and partners from across Africa and beyond, all united by a shared commitment to harness science, policy, and partnerships for a healthier and more sustainable continent.

Convened under the theme “Harnessing Science, Policy, and Partnerships for Environmental Sustainability and Climate-Health Resilience,” the conference provides a platform for conversations and collaboration on the connection between environment, climate, and health, three critical pillars to Africa’s future.

Across the continent, the effect of climate change is increasingly evident in health. Higher temperatures, changed rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events are increasing and spreading vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue, aggravating food insecurity and malnutrition, and heightening the risk of respiratory disease resulting from air pollution. These interconnected dangers require science-backed, integrated responses that safeguard planetary and human health.

While making the official opening remarks, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in tackling the health impacts of a changing environment. He emphasized that Africa must leverage research, innovation, and strong governance to build climate-resilient health systems capable of protecting vulnerable populations.

“Climate change is not a distant concern; it is our reality. Climate and health are two sides of the same coin, and climate justice is health justice. It is our collective duty to ensure Africa’s health is heard and protected. Let this conference mark our resolve to act inclusively, share evidence, and translate knowledge into action,” said Hon. Duale.

In his address, KEMRI Board Chair, Dr. Abdullahi Ali, called for Africa to redefine its narrative in the face of climate change. “Africa is often portrayed as a victim of climate change — but we know better. Africa is also a laboratory of solutions. From community-led reforestation in Kenya, to drought-resilient farming in the Sahel, and renewable energy transitions in Southern Africa, this continent is innovating its way toward sustainability and resilience. This conference gives us a platform to amplify those solutions, and to strengthen the bridge between research and decisionmaking which is ensuring that policies at all levels are informed by data, evidence, and local experience,” he said.

Dr. Ali further emphasized the urgency of coordinated action, noting that the time for dialogue must now give way to measurable progress. “The urgency of our time demands that we move beyond conversation to implementation, beyond awareness to accountability, and beyond commitment to coordinated action. Let this conference affirm Africa’s determination not to wait for others to lead but to lead ourselves; to anticipate and adapt through science, innovation, and unity of purpose,” he stated.

Organized around four key sub-themes, the conference explores the intricate nexus between environmental sustainability, climate resilience, health systems strengthening, and policy translation. The sessions are structured into thematic tracks addressing critical issues such as evidence and interventions for infectious diseases, extreme heat risks and management, transdisciplinary approaches for climate-resilient systems, nature, ecosystems and sustainable economies, equity, ethics, justice and inclusive adaptation, as well as governance, leadership and cross-sector collaboration. These discussions aim to bridge scientific evidence with actionable policy outcomes, while fostering cross-sectoral collaboration and knowledge exchange among African institutions.

Beyond discussions, the event aims to integrate a structured mechanism for sustained impact, moving beyond conference dialogue to measurable outcomes. Key among these are post-conference research-policy labs, where policymakers and researchers will collaborate virtually to translate knowledge into policy and track implementation progress.

Outcomes from the conference are expected to inform Africa’s coordinated preparation for upcoming global climate and health negotiations, including COP30, COP32, COP16, and COP17. The conference is co – convened by KEMRI and other major institutions including the MoH, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry, Africa Research & Impact Network (ARIN), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), AMREF Health Africa, The Aga Khan University Institute for Human Development, CHANCE Network and the Africa CDC.

Also present at the opening ceremony was the DG Ministry of Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth among other Institutional Chairs and DGs of other institutions. The KEMRI CLEAN Air-Africa and KEMRI Commercial Enterprise teams are also exhibiting at the conference