South Africa: Addressing heat-health threats to vulnerable people

In this series of video interviews, authors present their case studies that IAP recently published in collaboration with Save the Children in 'Climate Change and Health: Science-based Policy Solutions'.

South Africa faces increasing challenges from extreme heat, impacting public health and necessitating targeted interventions to mitigate risks effectively.

Dr. Caradee Y Wright, a lead researcher at the South African Medical Research Council, spearheaded a study shedding light on the critical impact of extreme heat on public health in South Africa. Her research underscores the growing challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly women and children in primary healthcare settings, amidst rising temperatures. The study's findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted interventions and resilience strategies to effectively mitigate heat-related health risks.

Watch the full interview with Caradee Wright to learn more about her impactful work:

Key Insights:

Heat-Health Risks: Temperature logging in rural healthcare facilities revealed alarming indoor heat levels, exceeding outdoor temperatures and posing significant health risks, particularly to women and children.

Development of HEAT Tool: Collaboratively developed with local stakeholders, the HEAT (Healthy Environment Assessment Tool) assesses and mitigates heat-related vulnerabilities in South African communities, emphasizing localized interventions.

National Guidelines: Driven by Dr. Wright’s research, South Africa launched its first National Heat Health Action Guidelines, providing comprehensive protocols for healthcare providers to mitigate heat-related illnesses.

Impact and Future Goals: Dr. Wright’s research underscores the critical need for proactive heat-health strategies amidst escalating climate challenges. The initiative not only enhances public awareness but also empowers communities with practical tools to combat heat-related risks effectively.

Read and download the case study here.
Read and download the entire book here.

Stay tuned for more video interviews from the authors of the IAP Climate Change & Health case studies. Follow us with the hashtag #ClimateHealthSolutions to stay updated on the latest insights and developments.

Watch all the video interviews on the IAP YouTube channel here.

For more information on the project, read here.