Delegates attending the four-day Pan-African Conference on Environment, Climate Change, and Health in Nairobi, issued a landmark declaration on October 24, 2025, solidifying the continent’s united commitment to safeguard human health and build climate resilience.
The conference convened under the theme “Harnessing Science, Policy, and Partnerships for Environmental Sustainability and Climate-Health Resilience,”brought together a diverse body of scientists, policymakers, health professionals, civil society, and youth from across Africa and beyond.
The resulting Nairobi Declaration on Health, Environment and Climate Action (HECA) stresses that the health of Africa’s people is fundamentally linked to the health of its ecosystems, issuing a powerful call for immediate and evidence-driven action. “From Nairobi, we send a united message to Africa and the world that we must adapt now, act together, and invest in resilience for our shared future,” the declaration asserts.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Mulongo, endorsed the document, stating that it “reinforces Kenya’s commitment to advancing integrated climate and health governance across Africa.”
Similarly, Dr. Abdulahi Ali, Chairman of the KEMRI Board of Directors, emphasized the declaration’s role in renewing the continent’s leadership saying, “The Nairobi Declaration calls on every nation to act decisively, invest in nature, and strengthen partnerships that protect both people and planet.”
Acting Director General of KEMRI, Prof. Elijah Songok, highlighted the declaration’s reliance on science, noting, “we call upon all nations to accelerate adaptation, strengthen climate-health governance, and champion resilience for generations to come.”
The declaration outlines six core commitments for African nations and partners. These include the necessity to Accelerate Adaptation and Resilience measures, Protect and Restore Ecosystems through community-led conservation and green infrastructure, and Promote Equity and Inclusive Partnerships by mobilizing long-term financing aligned with the AU Agenda 2063 and the Paris Agreement.
Crucially, it mandates the Integration of Health, Environment, and Climate Governance by institutionalizing a “One Africa – One Climate – One Health” framework. To bridge the gap between research and policy, the declaration commits to establishing the Pan-African Environment, Climate and Health Action Network (PAECHAN), with Kenya hosting the inaugural secretariat for two years.
Finally, it seeks to Empower Communities and Youth Leadership through initiatives like the Pan-African Climate Action Baton Journey.
To ensure the declaration translates into continent-wide action, it urges WHO/AFRO to champion its adoption among African Ministers of Health and calls on the Africa CDC to fast-track the operationalization of the HECA platform.
Acknowledging Kenya’s central role, the document formally requests H.E. Dr. William Ruto, President of Kenya and Chair of the African Heads of State Committee on Climate Change, to champion the establishment of national HECA chapters across all AU Member States.
The conference, hosted by KEMRI in collaboration with key ministries and the Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN), concluded with a symbolic tree planting exercise, marking a collective commitment to move forward “under one vision: One Africa – One Environment – One Climate – One Health.
