Pan-African Leaders Adopt Landmark Call To Action On Health, Environment, And Climate

Nairobi, Kenya: 23 October 2025
Africa has taken a major step toward strengthening the continent’s climate and health resilience following the successful conclusion of the Pan-African Conference on Environment, Climate Change, and Health, held in Nairobi.

The conference brought together scientists, policymakers, health professionals, environmental agencies, development partners, civil society, and youth representatives. Participants reaffirmed a unified commitment to safeguarding human health and protecting Africa’s ecosystems in the face of rising climate threats.

The gathering culminated in the adoption of the Pan-African Call to Action on Enhanced Leadership in Health, Environment, and Climate Action (HECA), a comprehensive declaration that sets the direction for coordinated, Africa-led climate and health interventions.

A Shared Commitment to “Adapt Now”

Anchored on the Global Commission on Adaptation’s call to “Adapt Now,” the declaration recognizes that climate resilience is no longer optional. Africa’s increasing exposure to droughts, floods, heatwaves, and disease outbreaks demands urgent, evidence-driven, and cross-sectoral action.

Participants noted that Africa’s rich ecosystems, while central to livelihoods, food security, and health, are under growing pressure from climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and land degradation. The declaration calls for enhanced conservation efforts, integration of climate resilience into health systems, and stronger collaboration across sectors.

Key Pillars of the Declaration

1. Accelerating Adaptation & Local Resilience

The declaration commits governments and partners to scale up community-led climate adaptation measures that safeguard both human health and ecosystems.

2. Strengthening Ecosystem Protection

Participants reaffirmed the need for robust policies and investments in ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection, and green infrastructure.

3. Institutionalizing “One Africa – One Climate – One Health” Governance

A major highlight was the call for a unified governance approach that integrates environmental protection, climate adaptation, and health systems strengthening across African institutions.

4. Establishing the Pan-African Environment, Climate and Health Action Network (PECHAN)

A new regional framework—PECHAN—will bring together ARIN, CHANCE Network, AMREF Health Africa, and other partners to coordinate research, early warning systems, policy translation, and country-specific HECA chapters.

Kenya will host the inaugural PECHAN Secretariat, coordinated through the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry in collaboration with KEMRI and NEMA.

5. Advocating at the Highest Political Levels

The declaration requests:

  • WHO and UNEP to present the call to Ministers of Health and Environment across all Member States.

  • Africa CDC to fast-track HECA implementation through AU systems.

  • Development partners and donors to champion long-term financing aligned to Africa’s adaptation priorities.

  • The Chair of the African Heads of State on Climate Change, currently the President of Kenya, to champion establishment of HECA national chapters across the continent.

6. Empowering Communities and Youth

Recognizing the importance of local action, the declaration highlights the Pan-African Climate Action Baton Journey—linking counties in Kenya to communities across Africa as a symbol of continuous, people-centered climate leadership.

Why This Moment Matters

The Nairobi declaration builds on key global and continental frameworks including:

  • The Harare Declaration on Climate and Health (2024)

  • The Global Action Plan on Climate Change and Health (2025–2028)

  • AU Agenda 2063

  • The Paris Agreement

  • The Global Biodiversity Framework

Together, they reinforce Africa’s commitment to deliver coordinated, science-based, and inclusive climate-health solutions.

A United Continental Voice

In its closing section, the declaration states:

“From Nairobi to all African nations, we rise in unity to build a resilient, healthy, and sustainable continent… under the guiding theme: One Africa – One Environment – One Climate – One Health.”

The Call to Action was officially adopted on 23 October 2025 in Nairobi and signed by representatives from key institutions including the Ministry of Health (Kenya), Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry, KEMRI, the African Union Commission, Council of Governors, NEMA, AMREF Health Africa, ARIN, CHANCE Network, TNO Netherlands, civil society, and youth delegates.