Attending the inaugural Climate Health Africa Conference (CHAC) 2024, held in the vibrant city of Harare, Zimbabwe, was a truly transformative experience. The event provided an invaluable platform to explore the critical intersection between climate change and health — an increasingly undeniable connection. This message was especially resonant for African communities, which bear the brunt of the impacts of climate change.

Health is the Face of Climate Change

One of the most profound takeaways from the conference was framing health as the “face of climate change.” This perspective underscores the urgency of placing health at the center of climate action, especially in Africa, where vulnerable communities are often at the frontlines of climate-related health crises. The conference sessions powerfully illustrated how climate change directly influences health outcomes, from the spread of waterborne diseases to the mental health impacts of displacement and loss of livelihood.

Research, Collaboration, and Knowledge Sharing

A key highlight was the opportunity to present a poster on my ongoing in-vitro study investigating the intersection of climate change, urbanization, and waterborne pathogens. This research emphasizes the complex challenges posed by these interconnected issues. It calls for a holistic, integrated approach to solutions involving researchers, policy-makers, NGOs, and local communities working together. The response to my research was overwhelmingly positive, and I had the chance to engage in meaningful discussions with fellow attendees who shared fresh perspectives and thoughtful questions.

The conference agenda was packed with insightful sessions and satellite events hosted by leading initiatives, including the HE2AT Centre, CASCADE, and Dialogue on Shelter. Each of these sessions expanded my understanding of how health and climate action can and must intersect. Another memorable highlight was participating in a workshop led by Nature. This session focused on equipping researchers with the tools to publish their work, an essential step in ensuring that scientific findings are accessible to wider audiences. Knowledge dissemination is a critical part of the climate-health nexus — because without accessible research, driving evidence-based action becomes much more difficult.

A Community of Changemakers

The conference’s transdisciplinary approach was evident in the diverse range of organizations, with prominent contributors including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Wellcome Trust, Science for Africa, and Africa CDC. Their presence reaffirmed the importance of cross-sector collaboration to address climate change and health challenges. Effective climate action requires input from public health experts, climate scientists, urban planners, and community stakeholders — and CHAC 2024 embodied this ethos perfectly.

Beyond the sessions and workshops, one of the most fulfilling aspects of CHAC was the opportunity to connect with like-minded researchers and advocates. Engaging in discussions with people who share a commitment to climate resilience was a reminder of the power of community. The exchange of ideas and experiences will continue to shape my work moving forward.

I am incredibly grateful to CeSHHAR Zimbabwe for organizing this impactful event. Special thanks to Fortunate Machingura and Stanley Luchters for their outstanding contributions to ensuring the success of CHAC 2024. Their efforts created a space for critical conversations that will continue to drive action long after the event has ended.

I carry a renewed sense of purpose when returning to my institution, the Chinhoyi University of Technology. The insights, lessons, and connections I made at CHAC 2024 will undoubtedly inform my future research and advocacy efforts. I am excited to continue building on the momentum generated by this conference, working alongside the incredible network of individuals and organizations committed to addressing climate change’s health impacts.

CHAC 2024 was not just a conference but a call to action. And I am ready to answer that call.

Authored by Tafara Shava