At the opening of the Humanitarian Health Research Forum 2025 held in Nairobi on Wednesday, the United Nations sounded an urgent alarm over the growing intersection between climate change and public health, particularly in East Africa.
Delivering a keynote address at Emara Ole Sereni Hotel, Fatima Mohammed Cole, Deputy Director of the UNHCR Regional Bureau in Nairobi, described climate change as “a major determinant of global health outcomes,” warning that its cascading effects are already overwhelming health systems and driving displacement across the Horn of Africa and Great Lakes region.
“Climate change is expected to cause about 250,000 additional deaths per year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea, and heat stress,” said Cole, citing data from the World Health Organisation.
She added that direct health-related damages linked to climate impacts are projected to cost between US$2–4 billion annually by 2030.
Cole commended the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) for its work in shaping health policy through evidence-based research.
“There is, however need for stronger partnerships between humanitarian actors and national health systems to ensure that displaced populations are not excluded from essential care,” she emphasised.
The forum, hosted by APHRC in partnership with Elrha, brought together government officials, academics, civil society organisations, and UN agencies to address the health implications of climate-related crises in humanitarian settings.
The UNHCR, according to Cole, is actively implementing its East and Horn of Africa, and Great Lakes (EHAGL) Climate Action Plan, launched in February 2024. The plan aligns with the agency’s global strategy to integrate climate resilience into humanitarian responses, including efforts to “green” healthcare infrastructure and transition from parallel service models to more inclusive national health systems.
Cole also spotlighted the increasing complexity of forced displacement in the region.
“Climate change is a risk multiplier; it exacerbates conflict and undermines efforts toward voluntary repatriation, as seen in Burundi, where flooding has displaced returnees,” she said.
She called for urgent, sustained action to reduce emissions, strengthen health infrastructure, and build community resilience, particularly in regions like Somalia and South Sudan, which she referred to as global flashpoints of climate vulnerability.
As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cole stressed the importance of building back better and fostering equitable health access.
“Mitigating negative impacts on the environment and supporting both refugee and host communities will improve long-term health outcomes and ensure no one is left behind,” she concluded.