The Climate Change and Health Summit in Accra brought together experts from the UK, Ghana, and West Africa to address the pressing issue of climate change’s impact on public health.
Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, emphasized that climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a harsh reality already affecting rural communities’ ability to access healthcare services and grow essential crops.
Rural farming communities are struggling to maintain food security due to drought, flooding, and unpredictable weather patterns, which are disrupting agricultural cycles.
Moreover, these climate impacts are also hindering access to healthcare services, particularly for isolated populations.
The summit featured comprehensive discussions on current climate and health research, policy priorities, and knowledge gaps specific to Ghana and West Africa.
Researchers from the University of Southampton and the University for Development Studies shared findings from collaborative local studies.
Experts and stakeholders from various sectors emphasized the need for interdisciplinary solutions driven by evidence-based policies and community engagement.
Dr. Wisdom Atiwoto of Ghana’s Ministry of Health Research division highlighted the importance of accurate data in developing effective strategies for the healthcare system to adapt to escalating climate threats.
As the summit concluded, calls were made for urgent global cooperation and action to build resilient communities capable of withstanding climate change’s public health impact.
The need for collective action to address the pressing issue of climate change was emphasized, as it is no longer a distant threat but a harsh reality already impacting communities.
