A new analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) has found that the number of disease outbreaks and climate-related health emergencies in the Greater Horn of Africa has reached its highest level this century, deepening a health crisis in a region where 47 million people already face acute hunger.
Most of the region is struggling with the worst drought in at least 40 years, and an unprecedented fifth rainy season is now anticipated, while other parts face flooding and conflict.
«Climate change is having an impact here and now on the health of Africans in the Greater Horn of Africa. The failure of four consecutive rainy seasons has scorched the land and pushed people from their homes in search of food and water,» said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa.
«It is critical that world leaders reach an agreement to halt rising temperatures at the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), which is very appropriately being held in Africa. As a continent we are the least responsible for global warming, but among the first to experience its tragic impact,» Moeti adds.
Analysis of the seven Greater Horn of Africa countries (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda) has recorded 39 outbreaks, floods and other acute public health events reported between January 1 and October 30, 2022. This is already the highest annual number reported since 2000, with two months remaining in the year. Outbreaks of anthrax, measles, cholera, yellow fever, chikungunya, meningitis, and other infectious diseases account for more than 80 percent of reported acute public health events, and droughts, floods, and other disasters account for 18 percent.
It is estimated that millions of children under the age of five face acute malnutrition, which increases the risk not only of starvation, but also of severe outcomes during a disease outbreak due to weakened immunity. Malnourished children are more susceptible to common childhood diseases. Globally, 45 percent of under-five deaths are associated with undernutrition.
As Moeti adds, in the last four years, the number of people facing acute hunger in the Greater Horn of Africa «has more than doubled.» «We must put an end to this exponential increase in misery. Between malnutrition and death there is often disease. The terrible conditions in the Greater Horn of Africa are a perfect storm for outbreaks that, unless we act quickly, will erupt with increasing intensity,» he added.
According to WHO’s regional director for Africa, $124 million (127.2 million euros) is needed to mount an effective emergency response to the crisis, but so far only 34 percent of that request has been received.
Vaccination coverage in the region for life-saving childhood vaccines is far below the threshold needed to prevent disease outbreaks. In most countries in the region, measles vaccination coverage is too low to prevent cases and all countries in the Horn of Africa have had to deal with measles outbreaks by 2022.
FLOODS IN SOUTH SUDAN Drought is not the only extreme weather phenomenon facing the region. South Sudan is experiencing its fourth consecutive year of flooding with 40 percent of the country under water. The floods have destroyed or damaged thousands of homes and dozens of health facilities, water sources and latrines in 15 states. In addition, livestock and a large area of agricultural land have been affected by the floods, contributing to food insecurity.
Food insecurity, resulting from floods and drought, coupled with conflict, the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic and high food and fuel prices, has forced people to flee their homes and the region now has 4.5 million refugees and asylum seekers, as well as 12.7 million internally displaced persons.
As the WHO reminds us, the displacement of people often means that they will miss out on the medical care they need, including preventive care. «Overcrowded temporary shelters with poor water and sanitation conditions can contribute to an increased risk of outbreaks,» they warn.
In response to the deepening health crisis, WHO is focused on ensuring that vulnerable populations, especially children, have access to essential health services, protecting populations from disease through immunization campaigns, detecting and responding to outbreaks, and providing treatment for severe acute malnutrition, among other actions.
WHO has mobilized more than US$7 million (7.2 million euros) in supplies and equipment for the Greater Horn of Africa, including US$3 million in kits for severe malnutrition or diseases such as cholera and measles. The Organization has also trained thousands of health workers throughout the region on the management of acute malnutrition.
«WHO urgently needs partners to come together to support the response to food insecurity in the region,» says Dr. Egmond Evers, Incident Manager, regarding WHO’s response to the Greater Horn of Africa. «We must ensure a robust health response to prevent illness and death from food insecurity-related health risks. We need more essential medical equipment and supplies, vaccines, medicines and kits to support essential health services. We must intensify critical actions such as vaccines and improve surveillance to prevent outbreaks from getting out of control. We cannot delay any longer. We must act now,» he concludes.
