The health of populations is increasingly threatened by the profound and far-reaching impacts of climate change. From extreme weather events and heat-related illnesses to the shifting patterns of infectious diseases, these challenges demand a proactive and integrated response from health systems worldwide. This training course is designed to equip public health professionals and administrators with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to anticipate, mitigate, and effectively respond to the health risks posed by a changing climate.

This program will provide a strategic framework for building resilient and adaptive health systems. Participants will learn to conduct vulnerability assessments, develop actionable adaptation plans, and integrate climate-related risks into emergency preparedness protocols. By focusing on data-driven strategies and collaborative governance, the course will empower you to not only protect public health in the face of climate change but also to champion sustainable and equitable solutions for your community.

Duration

5 days

Target Audience

• Public health officials and program managers
• Hospital and healthcare facility administrators
• Emergency preparedness and disaster response coordinators
• Environmental health specialists
• Epidemiologists and disease surveillance officers
• Policy makers in health and environment sectors
• Researchers focused on climate and health
• Non-governmental organization (NGO) leaders
• Community health workers and educators
• Urban planners and public works officials

Objectives

• Understand the direct and indirect health impacts of climate change.
• Conduct comprehensive climate and health vulnerability assessments.
• Develop effective health system adaptation and mitigation plans.
• Strengthen emergency preparedness and response protocols for climate-related events.
• Implement surveillance and early warning systems for climate-sensitive health outcomes.
• Integrate climate change considerations into public health policy and planning.
• Foster inter-sectoral collaboration for a unified climate-health response.
• Mobilize resources and secure funding for climate-resilient health projects.
• Engage communities and promote public awareness on climate change health risks.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Climate Change and Health

• The science behind climate change and its key indicators.
• The direct impacts on health, including heat stress and air quality.
• Indirect effects on health, such as changes in disease vectors.
• Understanding the social and economic determinants of climate vulnerability.
• The role of health systems in both adaptation and mitigation.

Module 2: Vulnerability and Risk Assessment

• Methods for assessing a community's vulnerability to climate change.
• Identifying populations and areas most at risk.
• Mapping health hazards and exposure pathways.
• Tools and frameworks for conducting a health-specific risk analysis.
• Translating assessment results into actionable recommendations.

Module 3: Health Systems Adaptation and Planning

• Developing strategic plans for climate-resilient healthcare facilities.
• Integrating climate risks into existing health policies and programs.
• The role of infrastructure and technology in adaptation.
• Designing and implementing climate-smart health programs.
• Building an adaptive and knowledgeable healthcare workforce.

Module 4: Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Preparing for extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and droughts.
• Strengthening public health emergency operations centers.
• Developing protocols for mass casualty and displacement events.
• Ensuring continuity of healthcare services during and after disasters.
• The importance of robust communication systems during crises.

Module 5: Water, Sanitation, and Food Security

• The impacts of climate change on water resources and water-borne diseases.
• Strategies for ensuring safe and sustainable sanitation practices.
• Addressing climate-related disruptions to food supply chains.
• The role of health systems in managing malnutrition and food security risks.
• Public health interventions for water and food safety.

Module 6: Policy, Governance, and Finance

• Crafting health policies that address climate change.
• The importance of multi-sectoral governance and coordination.
• Exploring funding mechanisms and climate finance for health projects.
• Engaging with international bodies and global health initiatives.
• Advocating for health as a central component of climate policy.

Module 7: Communication and Community Engagement

• Communicating climate and health risks to the public effectively.
• Building trust and credibility in a complex information landscape.
• Engaging community leaders and stakeholders in preparedness efforts.
• Promoting community-based adaptation and resilience strategies.
• Empowering individuals and families to protect their health.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.