What is this policy brief about?

The policy brief examines the growing impact of climate change on public health in South Africa and highlights the need for a co-ordinated, health-centred national response. It reviews the current climate and health policy landscape, identifies key implementation gaps, and provides practical recommendations to strengthen climate resilience within the health workforce, enhancing intersectoral collaboration, increasing community engagement, and securing sustainable financing to protect vulnerable populations from climate-related health risks.

Why does this matter?

Climate change is already affecting the health of South Africans. We are seeing more frequent floods, droughts, heatwaves, and changing disease patterns, which increase the burden of waterborne diseases, vector-borne diseases, food insecurity, and heat-related illnesses. These impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, pregnant women, and low-income communities. Strengthening climate-resilient health systems is essential to protect lives, improve preparedness, and reduce the long-term health and economic impacts of climate change.

How did this policy brief come about?

This policy brief was developed in response to the increasing evidence that climate change is becoming one of the public health challenges of our time. In recent years, South Africa has experienced climate-related events, including the KwaZulu-Natal floods and storms, which had health consequences. At the same time, South Africa has introduced important climate policies, such as the Climate Change Act of 2024, creating an opportunity to better integrate health into climate planning. The policy brief builds on this evolving policy environment while recognising that implementation remains fragmented and that stronger co-ordination across sectors is urgently needed.

What was your role in the development of this policy brief?

I contributed to the development of the policy brief by conducting a comprehensive review of the available literature and national policy documents related to climate change and health. I analysed existing policies, strategic frameworks, and published evidence to identify gaps, implementation challenges, and opportunities for strengthening climate-resilient health systems. I also synthesised the evidence into practical, evidence-based policy recommendations that are relevant to the South African context.

Why should people read this policy brief

People should read this policy brief because it translates complex evidence into practical recommendations that policymakers, public health professionals, researchers, and other stakeholders can use. It clearly outlines where current policies are falling short and provides realistic actions to strengthen the health sector’s response to climate change. It also highlights the importance of collaboration across government sectors to protect communities from the growing health impacts of climate change.

What impact do you hope this policy brief will have on public health policy and healthcare access?

I hope this policy brief will help place health at the centre of South Africa’s climate adaptation agenda. Specifically, I hope it informs future policy development by encouraging stronger co-ordination between health, environment, disaster management, and other sectors. I also hope it supports investment in climate-informed disease surveillance, workforce training, early warning systems, and resilient health infrastructure. Ultimately, these actions should improve healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable and underserved communities, by ensuring that health services remain responsive and resilient in the face of climate-related challenges.

Ms Zikhona Jojozi is a Field Epidemiologist at the Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.

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