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The article discusses the urgent need for wealthy nations to provide support to Africa and other vulnerable countries in addressing the impacts of climate change. It highlights the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on Africa, despite the continent contributing very little to global emissions. The article emphasizes that the consequences of the climate crisis, such as poverty, infectious diseases, forced migration, and conflict, have global implications. It calls for increased climate finance, focusing on resilience and health system strengthening, as well as the establishment of a financing facility for loss and damage. The authors argue that addressing the climate crisis is not only a moral imperative but also in the self-interest of all nations. [Extracted from the article]

It is now widely acknowledged that low- and middle-income countries in Africa are among global hotspots for high vulnerability to climate change, despite making comparatively low contributions to this phenomenon. Climate change has been shown to affect mental health as a result of disruption of social and economic structures that populations depend on for good health, including mental health. After decades of neglect, recent efforts by governments such as in Kenya to address the twin issues of climate change and mental health demonstrate the growing importance of these issues. Here we briefly review the evidence of climate change impacts on mental health in Africa and demonstrate that there is need for more contextual awareness and research in this area in Africa to mitigate or forestall potential mental health crises in the near future. We recommend systematic efforts to support funding for research and interventions at the nexus between climate change and mental health in Africa, and urge institutions and governments in Africa to begin paying attention to this emerging threat to the health of African populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that the upcoming Climate Change Conference (COP 27) conference deliver climate justice for Africa and vulnerable countries to mitigate the devastating health effects of climate change. Topics include contributing to global cumulative emissions, experiencing environmental shocks leading to severe impacts on health, food security, and mental health; and Climate finance support is globally critical to forestall the systemic risks of leaving societies in crisis.

Google Scholar Google Preview OpenURL Placeholder Text WorldCat COPAC 7 Opoku SK, Leal Filho W, Hubert F, Adejumo O. Climate change and health preparedness In Africa: analysing trends in six African countries. Africa Has Suffered Disproportionately Although it Has Done Little to Cause the Crisis The climate crisis has had an impact on the environmental and social determinants of health across Africa, leading to devastating health effects ([3]). The 2022 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) paints a dark picture of the future of life on earth, characterised by ecosystem collapse, species extinction, and climate hazards such as heatwaves and floods ([1]). [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: globally, human rights violations of persons with mental health conditions are rampant, and the quality of mental health services below that for general health services. The aim of this paper is to document the findings of an assessment of the quality of mental health services at the largest mental hospital in Kenya, and offer recommendations useful for service transformation. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study. Assessment was conducted guided by the World Health Organization (WHO) QualityRights Tool Kit, which assesses for compliance with five human rights themes drawn from the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. Trained assessors collected data through document review, observation, and interviews with hospital staff and service users at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital. The sample was composed of 64 interviewees. Results: overall, the facility was scored as "achievement initiated" indicating that there was evidence that steps had been taken to fulfil the five human rights themes but significant improvements were necessary. Five key gaps emerged: 1) the buildings and infrastructure were in a state of disrepair; 2) staffing was inadequate; 3) patients had no right to legal capacity; 4) there was gross neglect of patients as well as physical and verbal abuse; 5) there were no strategies in place to support community reintegration and independent living. Conclusion: significant improvements to infrastructure, staffing, and the quality of services are needed before the Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital meets the requirements of the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ahead of this meeting, we - as health journal editors from across the continent - call for urgent action to ensure it is the COP that finally delivers climate justice for Africa and vulnerable countries. The 2022 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) paints a dark picture of the future of life on earth, characterised by ecosystem collapse, species extinction, and climate hazards such as heatwaves and floods.[1] These are all linked to physical and mental health problems, with direct and indirect consequences of increased morbidity and mortality. : Wealthy nations must step up support for Africa and vulnerable countries in addressing past, present and future impacts of climate change†. [Extracted from the article]