Health
On World Health Day, the World Health Organisation called on "governments to prioritise human well-being in all key decisions" as the body cited rising "climate-related health emergencies".
World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa said Thursday, a study "found that of the more than 2000 public health events recorded in the African Region in the decade up to 2021, more than half were climate-related." Between 2011 and 2021, the continent experienced "25% more climate-related events compared to the previous decade."
Water-borne diseases, mainly due to cholera outbreaks, "accounted for 40% of climate-related health emergencies in the past 20 years", WHO Regional director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said. Diarrhoeal diseases are the third leading cause of disease and death in under 5 children. A significant proportion of these deaths is preventable through safe drinking water, adequate sanitation and hygiene.
Fearing the "foundation of good health [to be] in jeopardy" because of increasingly severe climatic events, she urged governments to "prioritise human well-being in all key decisions".
01:55
Burkina Faso's only eye doctor for children sees trauma of both play and conflict
01:49
BRICS summit ends on health issues and role of global south countries
01:04
South Africa reports new bird flu outbreak on poultry farms
01:22
World will have to learn to live with heatwaves, UN says
00:50
Ons Jabeur retires from Wimbledon Opener due to breathing issues
11:15
AI drones lead breakthrough against malaria in Africa [Business Africa]