Delegates Gather in Nairobi for the 2025 Humanitarian Health Research Forum: Addressing Climate-Induced Health Challenges
In an unprecedented gathering, over 150 experts from across the globe convened in Nairobi, Kenya, this week for the much-anticipated 2025 Humanitarian Health Research Forum. Co-hosted by the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) and Enhancing Learning and Research for Humanitarian Assistance (ELRHA), this three-day forum is dedicated to exploring innovative, evidence-based solutions to the pressing health issues exacerbated by climate change.
A Call to Action from Key Leaders
The forum kicked off with a compelling address from Fatima Mohammed Cole, the Deputy Regional Director for UNHCR, who underscored the urgent need for action against the rising health risks associated with climate change. “Increasing temperatures, extreme weather, and shifting disease vectors are leading to a worrying increase in mortality rates,” she warned. The impact is particularly profound in Eastern Africa, where previously malaria-free areas are now experiencing outbreaks due to changing climates.
Cole emphasized the importance of integrating climate data into health interventions, stating, “Adopting climate data will improve the efficacy of health responses as we gather more evidence through research.” This statement resonates deeply, especially in light of ongoing research showcasing the alarming correlation between climate change and health outcomes.
Local Perspectives on Global Challenges
John Erus, the Deputy Governor of Turkana County, highlighted the realities of climate change faced in his region, which has endured both droughts and floods. In a collaborative effort with the University of Nairobi and the University of Oxford through the REACH Programme, Turkana is taking proactive measures to monitor and manage water resources. Erus explained, “We are exploring integrated strategies focusing on energy, livelihoods, and ecosystem restoration,” reinforcing the idea that local solutions can effectively combat global challenges.
Highlighting Community Engagement
As discussions unfolded, speakers like Beatrice Kiage, a research scientist at APHRC, emphasized the significant role of community involvement. “It’s crucial that we co-develop solutions with the communities affected,” Kiage noted, asserting that solutions must be rooted in the realities of the people they aim to help.
From the youth perspective, early-career scientists like Etse Yawo Dzakpa, a postdoctoral fellow at AIMS, echoed the need for collaborative funding opportunities, which can empower the next generation of researchers and innovators. “Such support fosters learning and implementation of solutions tailored to our unique local contexts,” Dzakpa said.
Paving the Way for Collaborative Research
The forum also focused on the pressing need for governments to bolster domestic research. Alastair Ager, Chair of the Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC) Advisory Group, urged policymakers to prioritize investments in research capacities within African nations. This commitment is seen as crucial for evaluating effective adaptation strategies to the challenges posed by climate change.
As delegates continue to engage in thoughtful discussions, there is an air of cautious optimism. The Nairobi forum aims to yield actionable insights that can drive policy changes and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations impacted by climate stresses. Indeed, the collaborative spirit manifested in Nairobi shines as a beacon of hope, illustrating the potential for research and policy to intersect meaningfully in addressing some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
With events set to continue through Friday, this forum reaffirmed an essential commitment: through inclusive and collaborative research efforts, the global community can work towards a healthier, more resilient future.
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