Sub-Saharan Africa is disproportionately affected by climate change and is very vulnerable to extreme weather events, despite contributing to only about 3.6% of global emissions.
Beyond the immediate aftermath of disasters, there is a growing understanding that this situation is impacting health care services and having serious consequences for human health in the region.
In East Africa, where I research the changing climate’s impact on health, the rural ecosystem has been severely compromised by issues including deforestation, soil erosion, desertification, wetland degradation, and insect infestation.
Printing articles to share with others is a breach of our terms and conditions and copyright policy. Please use the sharing options on the left side of the article. Devex Pro members may share up to 10 articles per month using the Pro share tool ( ).
About the author
Melvine Otieno
Melvine Anyango Otieno is an assistant lecturer at the University of Eldoret, School of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management. As the Planetary Health Alliance’s Next Generation fellow, she is working to inspire and convene the next generation of Planetary Health Campus ambassadors from around the world, as well as facilitate local and international collaborations through her leadership of the Planetary Health Eastern Africa Hub. She is also a member of Women Leaders for Planetary Health where she advocates for gender equality and sound environment and public health solutions.
