Health Opinion

By Mary Muthoni Muriuki | Nov. 19, 2024

 

As world leaders gather at COP29 to chart a path toward a sustainable future, the need to address the health impacts of climate change has become increasingly urgent. One of the conference’s key discussions—phasing out fossil fuels—underscores how closely intertwined climate and health issues are. For Kenya, this is not a distant concern but a lived reality, and the launch of the Kenya Climate Change and Health Strategy 2024–2029 marks a pivotal moment in tackling these challenges head-on.

The health impacts of fossil fuel use are evident in Kenya’s urban centres and rural communities alike. In cities, vehicle emissions contribute to poor air quality, leading to respiratory diseases and other health problems. In rural areas, households relying on plastics for cooking release toxic fumes, creating health risks that disproportionately affect women and children. This public health burden, exacerbated by climate change, demands a bold response—and Kenya’s strategy delivers precisely that.

The Kenya Climate Change and Health Strategy 2024–2029 represents a comprehensive approach to addressing the health implications of climate change while aligning with the global agenda outlined at COP29. This strategy prioritises actions that will transform how Kenya manages its environmental and health challenges, offering a blueprint for other nations facing similar crises.

At the core of the strategy is the transition to clean and healthy energy systems. By promoting solar and wind power in health facilities, retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency, and integrating clean cooking technologies into households, Kenya is tackling air pollution while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These measures directly improve public health outcomes while contributing to global climate goals.

Food security is another cornerstone of the strategy. Climate change threatens agricultural yields, undermining nutrition and public health. Kenya’s emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices—such as agroforestry, organic farming, and soil conservation—ensures that communities have access to healthy, nutritious diets while reducing the sector’s environmental footprint. This focus on resilience in food systems aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), showcasing Kenya’s commitment to integrated solutions.

Water, sanitation, and healthcare waste management are also central to the strategy. Climate change exacerbates water scarcity and increases the prevalence of waterborne diseases, creating a pressing need for sustainable solutions. By integrating water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives with effective healthcare waste management, Kenya is safeguarding both human health and environmental integrity.

Kenya’s strategy goes further by building climate-resilient healthcare systems. Upgrading health infrastructure, improving disease surveillance, and establishing early warning systems ensure that the country can respond swiftly to climate-related health crises. This resilience is vital as extreme weather events and climate-resurging diseases become more frequent.

What sets the strategy apart is its holistic nature, guided by the principles of One Health, which recognise the inter-connectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It also aligns with Kenya’s international commitments under the Paris Agreement and SDGs, ensuring that national actions contribute to global progress. Support from partners such as the African Institute for Development Policy, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation has grounded the strategy in evidence and global best practices.

As COP29 places health at the forefront of climate discussions, Kenya’s Climate Change and Health Strategy 2024–2029 offers a compelling case for action. It addresses immediate health concerns, builds long-term resilience, and demonstrates how countries can align health and climate priorities for maximum impact.