Climate Health African Network for Collaboration and Engagement

Day Four of #ECHAfrica25 highlighted the power of local knowledge in driving #climateresilience. During a vibrant discussion, #WeatherMtaani shared inspiring stories from the ground showing how local weather forecasts and #earlywarnings are helping households better prepare and adapt in the face of a changing climate. Participants spoke candidly about the challenges they’ve experienced with floods from disrupted livelihoods to damaged infrastructure and how timely, localized information is making a real difference in reducing risks and saving lives. The conversation was a reminder that #climateaction begins with listening to communities on the frontlines and amplifying their experiences to inform solutions that are #practical, #inclusive and enduring. As #ECHAfrica25 draws to a close, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to all partners, participants and contributors who have been part of this enriching journey. Your ideas, energy, and collaboration have made these past days a true reflection of collective commitment to a healthier, more resilient Africa. #ClimateAction #ECHAfrica25 Climate Health African Network for Collaboration and Engagement AGNES Africa African Researchers Consortium African Union World Health Organization The Nature Conservancy environment and health association for development and peace Humphrey Agevi, PhD, Kanyangi Washington Edna Kowenje Maria Wangui Nailantei Jerry Ariel Mandela Nancy Mutwii Victoria Chengo Charles Tonui George Masila Wanjiru .A.S. Irungu Isaiah Maket Dr. Joanes Atela Gloria Orwoba Dr Gloria Maimela (MBBCH,MBA) Celeste Madondo Caroline Muthoni African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) I Lurit Yugusuk Tonia Hilary Florence Onyango

As the Pan-African conference on Environment, Climate change and health came to an end yesterday, I am encouraged by the intentional and thoughtful engagements and collaborations that unfolded over the past few days. At both the #AfricaLEEPS booth and the Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN) booth, I had the privilege of interacting with #policymakers, #researchers, #youthinnovators, and civil society actors from across the continent, all united by a shared vision of advancing evidence-informed, inclusive, and climate-resilient development in #Africa. These conversations reinforced the importance of ensuring that local voices, data, and innovations drive continental action at the intersection of environment, climate change, and health. I was especially encouraged by the enthusiasm among participants to strengthen partnerships that translate dialogue into tangible outcomes on the ground. The conference’s closing, presided over by #Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Hon.  Dr. Deborah Barasa, emphasized the urgency of #cross-sector collaboration, #policycoherence, and knowledge sharing to secure a sustainable and healthy future for Africa. #ClimateChange #Environment #Health #ECHAfrica25 #LEEPS #EvidenceInformedPolicy #ClimateResilience #AfricaLeadership #ScienceToPolicy Wanjiru .A.S. IrunguJerry Ariel MandelaMaria Wangui NailanteiHumphrey Agevi, PhD,Isaiah MaketBelinda KorirIsmaila Salawu Africa Research and Impact Network. (ARIN) African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP)

From Policy to Action: Reflections from the Pan-African Environment, Climate Change, and Health Conference (Nairobi, 2025) On the final day of the conference, we began our morning at St. Mary’s Mission Hospital in Nairobi by putting policy into action-planting trees. I planted both a fruit tree and an indigenous tree. It was a simple yet powerful reminder that everyone can contribute in small but meaningful ways to improving our environment. Inspired by this, I plan to plant trees around my home as part of my personal commitment to climate action. Later, we visited Kibra informal settlement/slum-often described as one of Nairobi’s most vulnerable communities. What I witnessed challenged that label. The community-led climate adaptation initiatives we saw were deeply rooted, innovative, and resilient. These communities are not just surviving; they are leading the way in local climate solutions. What they need are stronger partnerships and government support to amplify their impact. I leave Nairobi with renewed conviction that climate resilience begins with community agency. The lessons from Kibra will stay with me as I continue to work on climate and health resilience back home. #ECHAfrics25 #ClimateHealthAfrica #SciencePolicyAction #ARINetwork #EnvironmentalHealth #HealthSystemsResilience #CommunityEngagement #ClimateChange #PanAfricanConference #PublicHealth

A powerful close to #ECHAfrica25, presided over by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Dr. Deborah Barasa . 🇰🇪 Her closing remarks reaffirmed the #urgency of cross-sector #collaboration, policy coherence and evidence-based action to safeguard #Africa’s health and environment in the face of climate change. As a co-convener, Africa Research and Impact Network. (ARIN), we are proud to have worked alongside key regional and global partners to foster #meaningful #dialogue and drive #evidence-informed solutions that strengthen the intersection of environment, climate change, and health. #ECHAfrica25 showcased #Africa’s leadership and growing capacity to bridge science, policy and practice for a healthier, climate-resilient continent. We remain committed to sustaining this momentum beyond the conference turning #dialogue into action that transforms lives and ecosystems across Africa. #ClimateAction #AfricaLeadership #Sustainability #ClimateResilience #PartnershipsForImpact Climate Health African Network for Collaboration and Engagement Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Amref Health Africa Wanjiru .A.S. Irungu Edna Kowenje Maria Wangui Nailantei Africa CDC

The curtain came down on the Pan-African Conference on Environment, Climate Change and Health, presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Mulongo. We take pride in the active participation of our scientists in shaping critical conversations at the intersection of health and climate—emphasizing the need for multi-sectoral collaboration and innovation to build climate-resilient health systems. As a co-convener, KEMRI’s contribution throughout the conference underscores our commitment to advancing healthier communities through research-driven solutions, partnerships, and robust surveillance systems that help address emerging health and environmental challenges. Together, we continue to work towards a climate-resilient and healthier Africa. 🌍 #ECHAfrica25 #Collaboration