About Us
Climate change and Health INNOVation hub for West and Central Africa (CHINNOVA)
The CHINNOVA Hub is an integrated climate change and health hub serving as a vital resource at the intersection of environmental science and public health in West and Central Africa.
The Hub is designed to address the complex challenges posed by climate change and its direct and indirect impacts on human health. By bringing together multidisciplinary expertise—including climatology, epidemiology, urban planning, and the social sciences—CHINNOVA fosters collaboration and supports research, policy development, and community engagement across the region.
At its core, CHINNOVA focuses on strengthening understanding of how climate change influences health outcomes. The Hub also serves as a platform for learning, education, and outreach through workshops, seminars, training programmes, and other knowledge-sharing initiatives, supporting capacity strengthening and awareness on climate-related health risks.
Through capacity-building activities, knowledge exchange, and community engagement, CHINNOVA integrates local knowledge and experience to ensure its work is culturally relevant and contextually grounded. In parallel, the Hub plays a strategic role in policy engagement, working with governmental and non-governmental partners to promote evidence-informed policies that advance both public health and environmental sustainability.
Ultimately, CHINNOVA is more than a research hub; it is a regional platform for innovation, collaboration, and advocacy, dedicated to advancing healthier and more resilient communities across West and Central Africa.
Latest News
Impact of Climate Change on Health at a Glance
million
4.2 million premature deaths yearly from outdoor air pollution (WHO)
deaths
700,000+ deaths from vector-borne diseases annually (WHO)
%
reduction
Up to a 30% reduction in crop yields is projected by 2050 due to climate change (FAO).
billion
1.8 billion people could face water scarcity by 2025 (UN)
Private Sector and Industry
The private sector, including businesses and industries, is integral to advancing sustainable practices and technologies. Companies can drive innovation through green technologies, sustainable agriculture, and health solutions that mitigate climate impacts. By partnering with CHINNOVA, the private sector can also benefit from shared knowledge and resources, leading to mutually beneficial outcomes that enhance both economic viability and environmental sustainability.
Local Communities
Local communities are at the heart of CHINNOVA’s mission. Engaging directly with community members ensures that initiatives are context-specific and culturally relevant. Their traditional knowledge and lived experiences provide invaluable insights into local ecosystems and health challenges. By empowering these communities to take part in decision-making processes, the hub fosters resilience and enhances adaptive capacity to climate-related health issues.
Funding Partners
The Climate and Health Innovation Hub in West and Central Africa (CHINNOVA) is funded by IDRC and the UK FCDO.
Implementing Partners
The Climate and Health Innovation Hub in West and Central Africa (CHINNOVA) is implemented by the AAU, WASCAL & IPCI.
