Vincent Kariuki
Africa is preparing a landmark conversation around the environment, climate change, and public health issues at the Pan-African Conference on Environment, Climate Change and Health: Science to Policy scheduled for October 21–24, 2025, at Emara Ole Sereni, Nairobi.
Besides the co-conveners of the conference, Kenya’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, the partners include NEMA, KEMRI, ARIN, CHANCE Network, Amref Health Africa, and Africa CDC. The meeting will receive financial support from Welcome Trust and other strategic donors.
The conference is set to address the climate and health challenges of Africa — a chain of events the continent is experiencing due to the global climate crisis, such as rising temperatures, flooding, pollution, food insecurity, and disease outbreaks — which, according to the African Development Bank, are draining the continent’s economy by about 5% of its GDP annually.
“This is a great and unique moment for Africa to bring together experts, scientists, and policymakers to exchange ideas and solutions to address interconnected environmental and health challenges,” said Dr. Charles Lange, Acting Director for Environmental Services at NEMA and conference co-chair.
It is expected that more than 600 delegates will include policymakers, researchers, leaders of civil society, and innovators from Africa and the rest of the world. The conference comprises over 60 speakers leading discussions on nine thematic areas, including climate-resilient health systems, pollution management, ecosystem preservation, governance, justice, and innovation.
The co-chair of the Ministry of Health, Lolem Lokolile Bosco, confirmed that the conference is not only the site of the launch of Kenya’s Climate Change and Health Strategy 2024–2029, but also the Nairobi Living Declaration embodying the integration of health in all climate policies.
The Nairobi Climate Action Torch handover, a symbol of regional collaboration, will be the final event of the conference. Moreover, youth and community groups will exhibit their grassroots projects on the last day.
“This conference is about breaking silos,” said Caroline Irungu from the CHANCE Network. “By demonstrating that health, environment, and climate sectors have to collaborate for sustainable development, Kenya is paving the way for the rest of Africa.”