A new END Fund white paper brings together leading voices from the World Health Organization, Amref and African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) to call for locally led, inclusive health system solutions to urgently address the impacts of climate change on the continent’s NTD-burden.
A new report from the END Fund, released on the side-lines of COP29, shines a spotlight on how climate change is exacerbating health system challenges across Africa, particularly related to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and brings together sector leaders in calling for more locally led solutions.
Africa’s death rate from climate-related causes is 60–80% higher than any other region, with fragile health systems struggling to adapt. As extreme weather events intensify and disease patterns shift, the continent is shouldering around 40% of the global NTD burden. Changing temperatures have increased the prevalence of diseases in previously unaffected regions. Flooding in Kenya has fuelled outbreaks of parasitic infections and crop failure in Northern Nigeria is having a disproportionate impact on people suffering from intestinal worms.
“As global leaders come together for COP29, we see an increased spotlight on the role of the private sector in helping to solve the continued challenges posed by climate change on health systems. The END fund is committed to mobilising funds to tackle NTDs, and doing so in a way that supports the leadership of the communities we serve. The same approach is needed if we want to continue to see a reduction in disease burden in light of increasing challenges posed by climate change,” said Sam Mayer, Vice President, Global Strategic Partnerships, END Fund.
The report argues that eliminating NTDs in Africa demands more than just funding, but a paradigm shift toward locally led, climate-adaptive health systems. As global leaders convene at COP29, the report’s authors are calling on leaders to prioritise collaboration and justice at the intersection of climate and health.
The report highlights how investments in climate-resilient health systems yield substantial ripple effects across other sectors. These investments not only advance the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) but also enhance food security, improve educational outcomes by reducing school absenteeism due to illness, and improve economic opportunities for vulnerable regions.
According to a statement from the END uind, the report calls for accelerated investment in high-impact areas that are vulnerable to climate change and disease burdens, support for community-led initiatives that are adaptable to scale across sectors and cultures and stronger climate-resilient health systems that equip health workers and leaders with tools to implement resilience strategies.
“Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue—it is a health crisis. We need to have a special funding window that is focused on eliminating diseases like NTDs and malaria, to address the impact of climate change. We must develop mechanisms to engage with the heads of state and government, Ministers and parliaments, youth and women’s groups, religious and community leaders; as well as the private sector; empowering the critical stakeholders,” said Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance.
Further, the report is asking for stronger data infrastructure that supports local communities adapt, mitigate and eliminate diseases and better collaboration across sectors to develop integrated and holistic health strategies.
“We must heed the urgent calls of national leaders to support their efforts towards strengthening climate-resilient health systems. Our approach must centre national and community leadership, which is fundamental to achieving sustainable outcomes,” Dr. Socé Fall, Director of the World Health Organization’s Global NTD Programme.
Drawing from case studies across Africa, the report discusses the critical role of multisectoral collaboration in building robust health systems. Countries across Africa are demonstrating the effectiveness of linking health initiatives with climate adaptation strategies, using community-driven programmes to enhance disease resilience and infrastructure development.
For example, in Botswana, the country’s “One Health” approach was adopted when faced with increased geographic spread of vector-borne diseases due to climate change. The Botswanan Ministries of Health and Agriculture are collaborating to implement an innovative “One Health” approach that supports disease control strategies in animals and humans.
In Ethiopia, the country’s water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and energy infrastructure hamper Ethiopia’s ability to tackle climate-related health impacts. The Ministries of Health, and Planning and Development have implemented a “Health Adaptation Plan”, which supports capacity for policymakers and healthcare professionals to ensure community-driven and coordinated solutions.
Another interesting case study is Rwanda. By integrating NTD strategies into their Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy, Rwandan leaders are strengthening the health system’s capacity and supporting its ability to adapt to disease outbreaks. Data-driven approaches are strengthening weather prediction capabilities and investment in communities.
“The most important place to develop resilience is within national health systems. This should include continued investments in capacity building of the health workforce, evidence generation, building climate-resilient infrastructure, developing early warning systems, fostering multi-sectoral partnerships, all with women and young people at the centre,” said Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO of Amref Health Africa.
The report emphasises that locally-led models like these provide a scalable blueprint for success, ensuring that communities most affected by climate change and NTDs are equipped with the tools and resources needed to adapt and thrive.
The report brings together insights from leaders across the World Health Organization (WHO), Amref Health Africa, African health ministries, and African academia, to present a unified call to action for community-driven solutions and inclusive global health policies.