Published in PLOS One on 2026-06-17, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Chancy Skenard Chimatiro, Solange Mianda, Precious Hajison, Martina Lembani, Olushayo Olu
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0349448
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Climate change is now regarded as a global health challenge of the 21st century, posing a negative health risk to the population. Sub-Saharan Africa is disproportionately affected more than any other region worldwide. Mapping strategies and responses in Sub-Saharan Africa to address the impact of climate change on health systems is a starting point for understanding evidence-based decision-making and informing best practices.
We conducted a scoping review to identify health systems strategies and responses to the effects of climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa. Electronic database searches were conducted on African Index Medicus, PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus. Covidence software was used to remove duplicates, blind study selection, and data extraction. We included peer-reviewed articles (original quantitative and qualitative studies, mixed methods studies, reviews, editorials, and commentaries) published between 2011 and 2025. All book chapters and grey literature publications (dissertations, conference proceedings, abstracts, and reports) that primarily focus on climate change strategies and responses without effects on health systems were excluded. The results were analysed using descriptive thematic analysis.
Out of 11459 articles, 8 studies met our inclusion criteria. Most studies provided strategies and responses centered on service delivery, health workforce, health information, leadership and governance, with few on health financing and medicinal products. No study was identified that had outlined strategies and responses across all of the six World Health Organisation building blocks for the health systems. Implementation challenges identified include inadequate funding, lack of knowledge among health workers on climate change and health, inadequate surveillance and reporting structures, and low prioritization of climate change activities among health workers.
This scoping review has identified some health system strategies and responses to the effects of climate change within the Sub-Saharan African region. The review has revealed that existing strategies and responses are fragmented and hindered by some implementation challenges. As climate change continues to pose health threats to the global population, urgent and effective interventions are required to minimize its impacts. It is essential to understand the unique vulnerabilities of the health systems, particularly those in the Sub-Saharan African region. The time is now to develop strategies and responses that can improve and strengthen health systems as it protects health of the population from the effects of climate change.
Introduction
It is a well-known fact that health systems have been destabilized by the effects of climate change worldwide. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines a health system as all organizations, people, and actions whose primary intent is to promote, restore, or maintain health [1]. It is composed of the six building blocks, including service delivery, health financing, medical products, vaccines and technologies, human resources, health information, and leadership and governance, that interact as a unit to promote health outcomes [1]. Health systems are responsible for a wide range of healthcare services from community to health facility levels to promote good health for the population [2,3]. These responsibilities include health promotion, prevention, curative, and rehabilitation healthcare services, which require health systems to be resilient to the external forces, including climate change [3,4].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider financing & policy desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Chancy Skenard Chimatiro, Solange Mianda, Precious Hajison, Martina Lembani, Olushayo Olu. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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