Anticipatory Action For Climate-Sensitive Infectious Diseases: East Africa Regional Assessment
Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre
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Abstract: This assessment examines the linkages between climate variability and the prevalence of infectious diseases in East Africa, offering strategic insights into anticipatory action. Covering nine countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, it identifies disease risks triggered by climate events like floods, droughts, and heatwaves. Diseases assessed include malaria, cholera, and dengue, with vulnerability mapping used to identify high-risk populations. The report reviews gaps in data collection, integration across ministries of health and environment, and the effectiveness of Early Action Protocols (EAPs). It recommends technical innovations such as predictive epidemiology models, regional climate-health surveillance systems, and seasonal risk forecasting tools. Special case studies from Kenya and Ethiopia demonstrate how anticipatory strategies can preempt outbreaks and reduce public health costs. It also outlines capacity-building frameworks, governance mechanisms, and cross-border partnerships required to ensure scalable and sustainable anticipatory action across East Africa.