The Impact of NASAC’s Publication on Climate Change and Health By Dr. Deoraj Caussy

As a continental body, the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) holds a unique and influential position in shaping science-based responses to pressing global challenges. Climate change, with its profound impacts on human health, has been a priority area for NASAC’s work. Recognizing the urgency, NASAC developed and published a landmark document on protecting human health from climate change in Africa, a resource that continues to guide policy, research, and collaboration across the continent and beyond.

This publication builds on NASAC’s earlier contributions on climate change, adaptation, resilience, while also laying the groundwork for future projects on pertinent issues such as renewable energy. It reflects NASAC’s continued commitment to offering evidence-based, timely, and impartial science advice on issues of continental and global importance.

The project has had far-reaching impacts:

• Showcasing African expertise: It brought together scientists from diverse fields to comprehensively address the health implications of climate change.
• Strengthening collaboration: It fostered networks among academies and amplified African voices in global platforms, including COP24, the European Union, the Science Forum South Africa (SFSA), AMASA 23 and 24, and through publications in leading journals such as PLOS, Global Policy, and The Lancet (in press).
• Inspiring others: NASAC’s work motivated other academies, including ASSAf and the Academy of Medical Sciences, to embark on related projects, thereby expanding the community of scientists skilled in climate and health research.
• Catalyzing funding: While NASAC does not directly finance research, its report has helped to attract funding from global partners such as the Wellcome Trust, Grand Challenges Canada, and the European Union, which have since invested in projects on climate change and health in Africa.

The journey was not without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted face-to-face collaboration, forcing working groups to shift online. Power interruptions, poor connectivity, and competing responsibilities in managing the pandemic placed additional strain on scientists, leading to extended timelines. Yet, despite these hurdles, the project was completed, demonstrating the resilience and dedication of African scientists working together under NASAC’s umbrella.

Today, NASAC’s climate and health work continues to serve as a catalyst for scientific action, policy engagement, and continental cooperation. It underscores the Academy’s mission to ensure that Africa’s voice and expertise shape global responses to climate change, while safeguarding the health and well-being of its people.

Dr. Deoraj Caussy is a lead expert in the NASAC Climate Change and Health Working Group.