Preparedness Of Sub-Saharan African Countries To Address Climate Change And Health Impact: A Scoping Review
medRxiv
Download
Abstract: This scoping review examines the extent to which Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, including Kenya, are prepared to address the intersection of climate change and health impacts. Analyzing 153 publications from 2013 to 2022, the paper reveals regional patterns in climate-health vulnerability and policy response. Findings show that climate-related health risks such as heat stress, vector-borne diseases, waterborne illness, and malnutrition are rising ? particularly among children and elderly populations. Kenya emerged as one of the most researched countries, yet persistent gaps remain in implementing early warning systems, public health education, and water safety measures. The review underscores barriers such as inadequate funding, fragmented data, and poor stakeholder engagement. It calls for integrating health into climate adaptation planning, community-driven policy development, increased investment in monitoring infrastructure, and equitable access to resources. The authors recommend robust partnerships between governments, civil society, academia, and donors to build resilience and adaptive capacity in health systems.