Climate Finance Allocation Criticized for Neglecting Health Systems Amid Rising Climate-Linked Diseases
Climate change is increasingly impacting public health systems across Africa, with a significant rise in vector-borne and waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and exposure to extreme heat. Despite these challenges, less than five percent of climate finance from multilateral institutions is directed towards public health. Health advocates, including Friday Phiri from Amref Health Africa, argue that climate finance has traditionally focused on infrastructure, renewable energy, and agricultural adaptation, neglecting the critical need for resilient health systems. This funding gap leaves many countries unprepared for the health impacts of climate change, as hospitals and clinics face damage from floods, and healthcare workers are strained by disease outbreaks. The call is for a shift in climate finance priorities to include investments in climate-resilient health infrastructure, disease surveillance, and community health programs. 
