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Researchers in sub-Saharan Africa and the UK are working together to tackle the health impacts of climate change, thanks to £2.7 million in new research funding from the Foundation.

The changing climate will impact on all of us but especially those who are already the most vulnerable. Urgent, major action is needed, which is why weÂ’re funding new research into the health impacts of climate change.

Dr Angela Hind

Chief Executive, Medical Research Foundation

Climate change is a severe and growing threat to human health. While the impacts will be felt globally, the climate crisis is affecting low-income populations and communities the most. The latest UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report stated than more than four in ten people live in areas “highly vulnerable” to climate change.

Africa is uniquely vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Changes to temperature, rainfall and humidity influence the transmission and distribution of vector-borne diseases like malaria. Extreme heat, water insecurity, and flooding are also significant threats to the continent.

Although these impacts are generally understood, it remains difficult to accurately estimate the scale and range of impacts of climate change-related risks to health. This is why research in this area is vital.

Human migrations caused by climate change grant at CERI and Oxford University

https://www.medicalresearchfoundation.org.uk/news/new-research-into-climate-change-and-health