Implication of Climate Change on Human Health in Sub- Saharan Africa

Volume 4 - Issue 4

Ajadike Joseph Chike¹*, Ezeasor Ikenna Christian² and Ezeasor Ijeoma Chichebe²

Received: January 31, 2020;   Published: February 10, 2020

DOI: 10.32474/OAJESS.2020.04.000193

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Abstract

Climate change would affect different regions of the world differently. There are uncertainties about the impact of climate change but there are many areas of agreements by atmosphere scientists. For example, it has been strongly established that climate change would impact profoundly on the public health of sub-Saharan Africa both directly and indirectly. Heat stroke related deaths would increase as temperatures soar in the sub region. Prolonged and frequent droughts will increase malnutrition, hunger, poverty in the sub region. While increase in precipitation, sea levels storm rising sea levels and storm surges will increase flooding. Flooding can increase contamination of public water supply and this can create serious public health problems manifesting as diarrhea and cholera epidemics. Malaria which is a major killer disease would be extended to more people and more geographic space in Africa. So would be dengue fever episodes and many other strange alignments. Extreme heat events can also lead to stress, heat cramps, fainting and exhaustion, heat stroke and death. This paper has identified most of these public health concerns of climate change in sub-Sahara Africa. It has also identified adaptation strategies and mitigation measures to address these identified human health impacts of climate change in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: Climate change; Implications; Human health; Sub- Saharan Africa

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