The brunt of climate change on primary health care in Africa: Case study of a HASUWEB framework in Cameroon

Abstract

The evidence from literature demonstrates how vulnerable people are to the major and impending threat of climate change (CC). Due to weaker health systems, populations in African nations are more susceptible to harmful consequences, and the balance of effects on health is unfavorable, necessitating more attention and efficient solutions. It is crucial to evaluate the potential health risks brought on by climate variations, such as heat stress, air pollution, waterborne disease, and vector-borne disease. In the past few years, there have been increasing publications about the CC issue in Cameroon. However, few publications emphasize the impact on health; specifically, primary health care (PHC). The quest for global health security can only be accomplished against the scenery of a united mainstreaming of CC response into the public health apparatus, especially in Africa and Cameroon in particular. This is in addition to acknowledging the myriad ways in which CC has an impact on PHC during COVID-19 pandemic and the recent monkeypox multi-country outbreak. In this paper, we highlight this global public health gap and elaborate on its implications using the HASUWEB framework (H: Harsh weather, A: Air pollution, S: Shifts in Vector Ecology, U: Upsurge of Allergens, W: Water and Food; Quality and Supply Impacts, E: Environmental Degradation, B: Bitter end Heat). We also provide recommendations for policy-makers to ensure an effective PHC-CC crisis nexus now and in the future.