Healthcare and Climate Change: A South African Health Professionals’ Perspective

Abstract

Abstract Background: Climate change is currently the most significant threat to human health. Middle- and lower-income countries are at particular risk, placing South Africa at risk. To date research analysing healthcare workers’ perspectives on climate change has a unitary bias towards the views of developed and high-income nations. The aim of this study was to assess healthcare professionals’ knowledge and perspectives on climate change in South Africa and thereby contribute to improving their education regarding climate change and health. Methods: We conducted a national survey of healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, medical students, allied health professionals) assessing views on several aspects related to climate change and health. The survey included overall views on climate change, perceptions of climate change and health as well as on healthcare systems and climate change. Results: The majority of the participants in the survey were doctors, predominantly from the public sector. The three health categories which most concerned participants were malnutrition/foodborne diseases, waterborne diseases/other water related health concerns and morbidity and mortality related to extreme weather events. Some of the health areas of less concern were non-communicable diseases and mental health. Additionally, 81% of participants were not aware of how their health facility was adapting to climate change. Conclusion: South African healthcare workers demonstrate a reasonable knowledge regarding climate change and the effects it will have on healthcare, a view similar to those of health professionals in high income countries. Hopefully, through improvements in environmental health education and increasing awareness and understanding amongst healthcare workers, there will be greater advocacy and transformation of our healthcare systems.