Climate change impact on the health of African women and adaptation strategies

*Nwoke E.A and Ibe S.N.O

Department of Public Health Technology, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Climate change is now compromising the sustainability of human development on the planet because it threatens human health and the ecological support systems on which life depends. Health impact of climate change is grouped into direct and indirect effects depending on whether they occur predominantly via the impact of climate variables upon human biology or are mediated by climate-induced changes on biological and biogeochemical systems. Direct impacts stem from extreme events such as heat waves, floods, droughts, windstorms and wildfires. Indirect effects of climate change on health may arise from the disruption of natural systems, causing infectious diseases, malnutrition, food and water-borne illnesses and increased air pollution. These effects of climate change are more and expected to be experienced more in Africa. African women whether as resident or migrants are most vulnerable group because of their social role as managers of household resources (water, fuel, food and so on) and care givers. In addition, because of their biological and social disposition, African women are confronted with greater risk of these emerging health challenges due to climate change. This paper therefore discusses the climate change impact on the health of African women and the need for this most vulnerable group, to adapt strategically to these emerging health challenges due to climate change.

Key words: Climate change, impact, health, Africa women, adaptation strategies.