Climate change & Health INNOVation Hub for West & Central Africa (CHINNOVA)
About Us
Climate change and Health INNOVation hub for West and Central Africa (CHINNOVA) is a network of networks to strengthen the resilience of health systems to climate change in West and Central Africa, a region severely affected by climate-sensitive diseases and disorders.
The hub will address this challenge by improving data availability, fostering interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral collaborations, and building the capacity of the health workforce to anticipate and respond to the outbreak of diseases and disorders related to climate change.
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Vision, Goals, and Objectives
The Climate-Health INNOVation Hub for West and Central Africa (CHINNOVA) seeks to become a strong network of networks at the intersection of climate change and health that supports the resilience of health systems to climate change. The specific objectives (SOs) of the CHINNOVA project are to:
Objective 1
improve the participation of individuals, organisations, and networks in the design, implementation, assessment, and dissemination of solutions for climate-resilient health systems, while fostering interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral collaborations on climate change and health.
Objective 2
increase the availability of disaggregated and inter-sectoral climate change and health data that are interoperable and openly accessible, allowing research and the scientific community to anticipate the complex intersections between ecosystems, animal and human health.
Objective 3
Strengthen health systems’ anticipation and response capacity to outbreaks of climate-sensitive diseases and disorders by integrating epidemic, bioclimatic, and artificial intelligence (AI) modelling
Objective 4
Support the health system workforce to fully integrate gender equality and inclusion responding measures to climate-induced health risks and shocks, and equip it with contextualised, robust and equity-based knowledge, systems, and networks.
Objective 5
close knowledge gaps through training and capacity building of researchers, grassroots organisations, civil society organisations, local communities in the design and implementation of climate change research and innovative solutions for climate-resilient health systems.
What We Do
Highlighting the importance of ocean conservation efforts, showcasing key projects, and outcomes.
Research and Innovation
Showcasing ongoing research projects, technological innovations to ocean preservation.
A Safe, Healthy and Sustainable Climate
A Global Concern
Climate change is linked to various domains in health including air quality, vector-borne diseases, food security, water scarcity, and mental health, among others.
The UN reports that 40% of the global population is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, particularly in resource-dependent communities. The UN warns that achieving the SDGs by 2030 will be jeopardized by climate change, with an estimated 50 million people projected to be pushed into extreme poverty annually due to climate impacts, which will hinder progress in health and education. This highlights the need for integrated approaches to manage both social and ecological systems.
A study published in Environmental Research Letters found that interdisciplinary research can enhance climate adaptation strategies, yet only 10-20% of climate research projects effectively integrate multiple disciplines, indicating a gap in collaborative efforts.
Air Quality
The relationship between climate change and air quality is complex. Rising temperatures can intensify the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful pollutant that worsens respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Moreover, climate change contributes to more frequent and intense wildfires, which release substantial amounts of particulate matter into the atmosphere.
million premature deaths annually
Global Context:
The WHO attributes about 4.2 million premature deaths annually to outdoor air pollution. The burden of disease is unevenly distributed, with low- and middle-income countries facing the most severe impacts.
African Context:
In Africa, urbanization and reliance on fossil fuels exacerbate air pollution. Cities like Johannesburg and Nairobi face significant air quality challenges, with particulate matter levels often exceeding safe limits. This pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, leading to increased healthcare costs and loss of productivity.
Vector-Borne Diseases
Climate change modifies ecosystems, creating favorable conditions for vectors like mosquitoes and ticks. Warmer temperatures and altered precipitation patterns expand the range of these vectors, increasing the incidence of diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya.
deaths annually
Global Context:
The WHO estimates that vector-borne diseases account for more than 700,000 deaths each year. Malaria, in particular, remains a critical global health challenge, with 241 million cases reported in 2020. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 60% of all infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic, with climate change influencing their transmission patterns.
African Context:
Africa bears a disproportionate burden of malaria. The WHO reports that the continent accounted for 95% of malaria cases and deaths in 2020. As temperatures rise, areas in East Africa that have historically been less affected by malaria are becoming more suitable for mosquito breeding, potentially increasing the number of cases by millions. This will strain healthcare systems already challenged by limited resources.
Food Security
Climate change poses significant risks to agriculture through extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, as well as changing growing seasons and increased pest infestations. These factors directly impact food production, leading to food insecurity and malnutrition.
Trillion Dollars
Global Context:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns that by 2050, climate change could reduce global crop yields by up to 30%, significantly impacting food security and nutrition. Food shortages also contribute to rising prices, exacerbating poverty. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) reports that about 1 million species are threatened with extinction, largely due to climate change and habitat loss, which ultimately threatens human health and food security. A study in Nature estimates that global ecosystem services provide around $125 trillion annually in benefits, including clean air, water, and food. Climate change disrupts these services, impacting community health and resilience. The FAO estimates that climate change could lead to a 20% decline in livestock productivity by 2050 due to heat stress and reduced feed availability, which also affects human nutrition and welfare.
African Context:
Africa is particularly vulnerable to food insecurity due to its reliance on rain-fed agriculture. The FAO estimates that up to 50 million people could be displaced by climate-related food insecurity by 2025. For example, in Southern Africa, erratic rainfall patterns have led to significant crop failures, threatening the livelihoods of millions and increasing the prevalence of malnutrition, particularly among children.
Water Scarcity
Changing precipitation patterns, glacial melt, and increased evaporation due to higher temperatures are altering freshwater availability. This has severe implications for drinking water, sanitation, and agriculture.
Billion people lack safe water
Global Context:
The UN estimates that by 2025, 1.8 billion people will live in areas with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the global population could be under water-stressed conditions.
African Context:
In Africa, regions like the Sahel are facing acute water shortages that threaten drinking water supplies and sanitation. The WHO states that around 1.5 billion people in Africa lack access to safe drinking water. Water scarcity leads to increased incidences of waterborne diseases, with diarrhea being a leading cause of death among children under five. The interplay between water scarcity and health emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable water management practices.
Mental Health
The psychological impacts of climate change are often overlooked but can be profound. The stress and trauma resulting from climate-related disasters, displacement, and loss of livelihoods can lead to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
deaths annually
Global Context:
The Lancet reports that climate change is a significant driver of mental health disorders, particularly in vulnerable populations. Events such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires can have long-lasting psychological effects. The WHO estimates that climate change is expected to cause an additional 250,000 deaths annually between 2030 and 2050 due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress, underscoring the importance of environmental health assessments.
African Context:
In Africa, where communities are frequently impacted by climate-induced disasters like droughts and floods, the mental health consequences can be devastating. Displacement due to climate impacts can disrupt social networks and cultural ties, compounding feelings of isolation and distress. A study by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies highlights the rising incidence of mental health issues in communities affected by climate-related disasters.
Join us to make our Climate healthy, sustainable and safe for future generations
Our Partners
The Climate and Health Innovation Hub (CHINNOVA) serves as a collaborative platform uniting a diverse array of partners, all committed to addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change and public health in West and Central Africa. Here’s an expanded overview of the key partners involved:
Governments (National and Sub-national)
Government entities play a crucial role in shaping policies and frameworks that facilitate climate and health initiatives. At the national level, ministries of health, environment, and agriculture collaborate to align strategies and allocate resources. Sub-national governments, such as regional and local authorities, are vital for implementing these policies on the ground, ensuring they resonate with community needs and priorities. Their involvement is essential for fostering resilience and adapting local health systems to climate impacts.
Civil Society
Civil society organizations are pivotal in advocating for community rights and voicing the concerns of vulnerable populations affected by climate change. They engage in grassroots mobilization, raise awareness, and provide critical insights into local challenges. By facilitating dialogue between communities and policymakers, these organizations help ensure that climate and health initiatives are inclusive and equitable.
Academia
Academic institutions contribute essential research and expertise, driving evidence-based practices in both climate science and public health. They conduct studies to better understand the local impacts of climate change on health, developing innovative solutions and technologies. Collaboration with universities and research centers enables the hub to leverage cutting-edge knowledge and training programs that build capacity within local communities.
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.
Funders & Implementations Partners
The Climate and Health Innovation Hub in West and Central Africa (CHINNOVA) is funded by IDRC and the UK FCDO. It is implemented by the AAU, WASCAL & IPCI:
