ABSTRACT
Climate change is a global problem that has been controversial over the years. Research has been conducted in many parts of the world; however, there are limited studies on the effect of climate change and access to healthcare in Africa. There has been recent news of climate change-related events in many nations, impacting health systems’ ability to respond effectively to health problems associated with such events. However, minimal data are available on the impact of these extreme events on access to quality healthcare in low-resource settings, including in Africa.
The objective of this reflective chapter is to explore the current climate change challenges in selected African countries and the impact on access to healthcare. Literature reviews of relevant research and practical experiences will be discussed to understand the situation and to recommend practices that could enhance healthcare access amidst climate change challenges.
Despite increasing evidence of climate change, questions remain about the way forward in African settings. Debates are ongoing about who bears the financial burden of climate change in developing countries; however, there is no immediate resolution in sight. Therefore, recommendations on promoting sustainable healthcare access strategies despite climate change challenges in Africa should be further explored.
