International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health
Volume 222, Issue 2, 2019, Pages 311-314

Adaptation of health systems to climate-related migration in Sub-Saharan Africa: Closing the gap (Article)

Negev M.* , Teschner N. , Rosenthal A. , Levine H. , Lew-Levy C. , Davidovitch N.
  • a School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa, 3190501, Israel
  • b Geography and Environmental Development, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
  • c Department of Health Systems Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences & The Tamar Golan Africa Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 653, Be'er Sheva, 84105, Israel
  • d Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah Faculty of Medicine, P.O. Box 12272, Kiryat Hadassah, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, 9112002, Israel
  • e School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa, 3190501, Israel
  • f Department of Health Systems Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences & Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business, Management Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 653, Be'er Sheva, 84105, Israel

Abstract

Health systems worldwide need to be adapted to cope with growing numbers of migrants and to climate-exacerbated morbidity. Heatwaves, water stress, desertification, flooding, and sea level rise are environmental stressors that increase morbidity, mortality, and poor mental health in Sub-Saharan Africa. While most migration is intra-African, climate change is also affecting migration patterns outside the continent. To tackle the health challenges induced by these events, such as infectious diseases and malnutrition, health care providers in Sub-Saharan Africa and in receiving countries in Europe must adapt their systems to provide appropriate health services to these communities. While health systems differ greatly across the global north and south, adaptation measures are similar and should be integrated. We present recommendations for adaptation of health systems to climate-related migration, including strengthening health systems, providing access to healthcare, culturally-appropriate services, policy-oriented research and training, and inter-sectoral collaboration. © 2018 Elsevier GmbH

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Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85057292261&doi=10.1016%2fj.ijheh.2018.10.004&partnerID=40&md5=0c9cf055f4b467f9a6a8d6191a989234
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.10.004
ISSN: 14384639
Original Language: English