New Report Exposes Alarming Health Risks in Africa Due to Climate Change: Key Insights for Awareness and Action

A recent report by the World Economic Forum and Boston Consulting Group highlights that Africa is particularly vulnerable to health issues caused by climate change. This vulnerability affects key sectors like food, agriculture, health care, and insurance.

Regina Osih, an Associate Director at BCG in Johannesburg, points out alarming statistics: 94% of global malaria cases occur in Sub-Saharan Africa, there’s been a 63% rise in zoonotic diseases over the past decade, and diarrheal diseases caused 515,000 deaths in 2022. These numbers reveal just how strained Africa’s health systems are.

The report suggests that the global economy could suffer a staggering loss of over $1.5 trillion from illnesses related to climate change. This figure focuses only on three affected sectors, indicating that the total losses may be even higher.

Eric White, from the World Economic Forum, emphasizes the importance of protecting worker health for business stability. He warns that delaying action will only increase health risks and costs.

In detail, the food and agriculture sector could see $740 billion in lost output due to climate-related health impacts. Similarly, the built environment might face losses of $570 billion, while health care could lose around $200 billion. The insurance industry is also bracing for a rise in claims linked to climate-related health issues.

Interestingly, proactive investments in health adaptations can offer companies more than just risk protection. They could tap into new markets and foster innovative solutions. Examples include developing climate-resilient crops and medications that can withstand heat, along with technologies to safeguard workers’ health.

Elia Tziambazis from BCG highlights that while progress is being made, the pace of implementation still lags behind what is necessary. The urgency lies in rapidly scaling up effective solutions to address workforce health and climate impact.

The report also anticipates significant health risks from climate change and suggests that a global effort is essential. Supportive policies and innovative financing are key to mobilizing investment in health resilience.

These findings arrived just before the World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Development Impact Meetings. This year’s focus is set on health adaptation, highlighting an opportunity to meld private sector innovation with government policies.

Regina Osih stresses that climate-health adaptation should be central to business strategies, not just an afterthought. The upcoming B20 summit in South Africa also aims to drive investment toward health systems, particularly in regions like Africa that need it most.

For further insights, check the full report here.

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