Advancing Health and Malaria Resilience in Africa Through Innovation in a Changing Climate
@Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (Haw Hamburg) posted 1 month ago in Communicable diseases Email OpportunityOpportunity Description
Background
Africa continues to be the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Communities across the continent are experiencing higher temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and increasingly severe weather events, all of which are taking a toll on public health.
These changes create a breeding ground for diseases like malaria and other infections to spread. In fact, sub-Saharan Africa remains the epicenter of the global malaria burden, affecting millions each year, including more than 12.7 million pregnant women accounting for 36% of cases.
The situation is further complicated by the emergence of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides and antimalarial drugs, jeopardizing current control efforts. Climate variability exacerbates these challenges by impacting vector breeding patterns, disease transmission cycles, and the geographical expansion of malaria into new regions. Similarly, other climate-sensitive diseases, such as diarrheal illnesses and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), are expected to rise as a result of changing environmental conditions.
Addressing these health threats necessitates a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates climate-adaptation strategies, innovative technologies, and community-driven interventions. AI-driven-disease surveillance, enhanced public health policies, and climate-smart health systems are vital to alleviating the detrimental effects of climate change on disease burdens.
It is essential to consider resource limitations and socio-cultural factors when designing adaptive interventions that are effective, contextually relevant, and gender-sensitive. Collaborative efforts among researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and environmental organizations are critical for establishing climate-resilient health systems throughout Africa.
Aim of the event
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In depth discussion on how climate change is altering disease transmission patterns.
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Explore innovative responses including AI-powered surveillance, climate-smart policies, and community-led solutions.
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Foster interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
Event format
The seminar will be structured around:
1.   Keynote Lectures – Expert presentations on climate change and health innovation
2.   Parallel Sessions:
- AI and Climate Change: Transforming Malaria Control in a Warming World
- Innovative Approaches for Climate-Resilient Malaria Health Systems
- Global Collaboration in Climate Change and Malaria Health Research
Call for Presentations
Submit an expression of interest and share your work under one of the following themes:
- The Impact of Climate Change on the Spread of Malaria.
- AI and Climate Change: Transforming Malaria Control in a Warming World.
- Building Climate-Resilient Malaria Health Systems: From Policy to Action.
- Climate Change, Urbanization and Emerging Malaria Health Threats in Africa.
- Community-Based Adaptations to Climate Change-Driven Malaria Challenges.Â
Registration
Register your interest to present or participate at this event via this online registration form.
Additional Information on the opportunity
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Opportunity ID 9805
