Climate-related health emergencies are on the rise in Africa, though the continent contributes the least to global warming, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.

According to new WHO analysis such climate-related health emergencies account for "more than half of public health events recorded in the region over the past two decades," its regional bureau said in a statement.

Of the public health events recorded throughout Africa between 2001 and 2021, 56 percent were climate-related, the UN health agency said.

In Africa, "frequent floods, water- and vector-borne diseases are deepening health crises," said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's regional director for Africa.

"Although the continent contributes the least to global warming, it bears the full consequences," she added.

On Thursday the WHO celebrates World Health Day, with this year's theme "Our Planet, Our Health".

The organisation is calling on governments to "prioritise human well-being in all key decisions, stop new fossil fuel explorations and subsidies, tax polluters and implement WHO air quality guidelines".

In Africa "diarrhoeal diseases are the third leading cause of disease and death in under-five children," the WHO said in its new analysis.

"A significant proportion of these deaths is preventable through safe drinking water, adequate sanitation and hygiene," it added.

Related Links
Africa News - Resources, Health, Food

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The Space Media Network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceMediaNetwork Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceMediaNetwork Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Vital DR Congo power plant caught in rebel crossfire
Rumangabo, Dr Congo (AFP) April 4, 2022
The vital Matebe hydroelectric power plant in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo powers Goma - a city with more than one million inhabitants - and part of the nearby Rutshuru territory. But the key infrastructure is caught up in fighting between the army and the M23 rebel group, one of many in Congo's restive east, which launched an offensive against villages and army positions in Rutshuru on March 28 and 29. "We evacuated all the staff. Only a 'skeleton team' remains to protect the installa ... read more