Statement by Aggrey Aluso, Pandemic Action Network’s Africa director, regarding the African Leaders Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action.

“The African Leaders Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action declaration is a good step towards joint African leadership and developing a common position for Africa on climate change. The inclusion of multilateral development bank reforms, particularly on issues of debt relief and a robust proposition on fossil fuel taxation is welcome. 

However, it is a big concern that despite making a bold mention of “lives and livelihoods” the declaration falls short on mentioning health. We know how climate change is shaping world dynamics and exposing us to more health and pandemic-related risks. If left unchecked, more than 100 million people will be pushed to extreme poverty, and almost a third of that will be because of health related issues. By failing to mention health in this declaration, we have not paid heed to the urgency of the climate crisis and its impacts. This is critical for Africa and is a missing link in combating the climate crisis.”