Africa rallies to tackle climate and health crisis at landmark Nairobi conference

Africa is taking decisive action to confront the growing threats of climate change, environmental degradation, and public health risks through a landmark meeting set to take place in Nairobi next week.

The Pan-African Conference on Environment, Climate Change & Health: Science to Policy will run from October 21 to 24, 2025, at Emara Ole Sereni, bringing together scientists, policymakers, health experts, innovators, and civil society leaders from across the continent and beyond.

The meeting is co-convened by Kenya’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, in partnership with the Climate and Health Africa Network for Collaboration and Engagement (CHANCE), Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Amref Health Africa, and the Africa CDC, with support from Wellcome and other donors.

Experts warn that the continent is facing a dangerous convergence of crises — rising temperatures, deadly floods, air pollution, disease outbreaks, and food insecurity — all taking a toll on lives and livelihoods.

These combined impacts are estimated to cost Africa about 5 percent of its GDP annually, underscoring the urgent need for action.

Organizers say the conference will serve as a platform to bridge science and policy by turning research evidence into practical, sustainable solutions that strengthen Africa’s climate-health resilience.

More than 600 participants are expected, including senior government officials, scientists, youth leaders, private sector players, and development partners.

Discussions will revolve around nine key themes such as climate-resilient health systems, water and pollution management, ecosystem protection, climate finance, governance, urban environments, and technological innovation.

One of the major goals of the conference is to produce actionable policy recommendations and build partnerships that will inform Africa’s unified position in upcoming global climate forums, including COP30 and the Global Stocktake.

The event is also expected to launch regional climate-health research and innovation hubs and establish a continental working group on environment, climate change, and health.

Beyond the four-day meeting, participants will continue collaborating through virtual policy labs to keep the dialogue alive and solutions on track.