Introduction
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2024 is projected to be the hottest year in recorded history, primarily due to rising concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Cameroon, like many other countries worldwide, is experiencing the severe effects of climate change, with numerous temperature records already shattered in 2023. For instance, in April 2023, the maximum temperature recorded in the country reached 47°C, significantly higher than the seasonal norms of 30-31°C. These extreme weather events are occurring with increasing frequency and intensity across the nation. Numerous instances of flooding and landslides linked to major heat waves have been documented, leaving local communities in a vulnerable situation. This article examines the direct and indirect effects of climate change on population health in Cameroon. It is primarily based on a review of existing literature on the topic, along with an analysis of available climate and health data. The objective is to highlight the vulnerability of various regions and socio-economic groups affected by this phenomenon and to propose emergency strategies to mitigate the associated health risks.
1. The Direct Effects of Climate Change on Health
Climate change has significant consequences for the health of populations, particularly in developing countries. According to William Dar, approximately 99% of deaths attributed to climate change occur in these regions. Extreme temperatures and torrential rains adversely affect not only people’s morale but also their physical health.
1.1. The Effects of Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures can have significant consequences for the environment, human health, and ecosystems. Heatwaves, for example, can lead to health issues such as heat stroke, dehydration, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, they can impact agricultural productivity by reducing crop yields and exacerbating water stress. Extremely low temperatures can cause frostbite, hypothermia, and respiratory complications, while infrastructure can suffer from frost damage, resulting in high repair costs. Ecosystems are also vulnerable to temperature fluctuations. Plant and animal species may be compelled to alter their habitats or behaviors, which can disrupt food chains and result in ecological imbalances. According to the WMO, a comparison of temperature variations over the past 40 years indicates that heat waves recorded from January to February 2024 reached unprecedented levels. January 2024 was noted as the hottest month in the intertropical and Gulf of Guinea regions in the last 50 years. These extreme temperatures, which cause significant thermal discomfort, are particularly harmful to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, the elderly, children, and individuals with comorbidities such as hypertension or diabetes. Poor air quality and increased pollutants can exacerbate respiratory illnesses, including asthma and bronchitis. Furthermore, heat waves heighten the risk of dehydration among the elderly and children. Without prompt and effective treatment, these conditions can lead to increased mortality rates. A climate risk profile developed by GIZ GmbH revealed that heat-related mortality in Cameroon rose from 2.5 deaths per 100,000 people in 2000 to an estimated 9.1 deaths per 100,000 people by 2080. Extreme temperatures can also alter the habitats of disease vectors, significantly increasing the transmission of diseases like dengue and malaria. In 2020, Cameroon was among the fifteen countries most affected by malaria, accounting for 2.9% of all malaria cases and deaths worldwide. Over time, regions once less susceptible have emerged as new hotspots, particularly in the Far North, North-West, and West regions. This underscores the urgent need to strengthen the health system and implement adaptation measures to protect vulnerable populations.
1.2. The Effects of Irregular Rainfall and Flooding
Irregular rainfall and flooding observed during the rainy seasons in Cameroon have serious health consequences. Since the beginning of 2024, the Far North region has experienced flooding affecting more than 19,000 households and approximately 159,000 people. The material and human damage caused by this disaster is immense, and the inadequacy of responses, along with logistical challenges, exacerbates the risk of epidemics and the spread of various diseases. These include diarrheal diseases, vector-borne diseases, respiratory and skin infections, leptospirosis, and malnutrition due to the destruction of crops and food supplies. Irregular rainfall and flooding also contaminate drinking water sources, increasing the risk of spreading waterborne diseases such as typhoid and cholera. Increased humidity and precarious living conditions in displaced persons’ camps can promote respiratory diseases. Furthermore, stagnant water serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, thereby increasing the transmission rate of vector-borne diseases like malaria. Additionally, there is a risk of drowning and injury from debris accumulating in rainwater. Given the resurgence of these factors across the country, it is imperative for state authorities to develop a rapid response to minimize health risks.
2. Adaptation and Response
In Cameroon, the government is implementing numerous measures to combat natural disasters resulting from climate change, supported by various non-governmental organizations and local communities. However, these efforts remain insufficient. It is essential for all stakeholders to establish a range of effective adaptive measures, including:
- Strengthening health systems: Enhancing infrastructure to withstand climate-related disasters is critical. Implementing materials that can endure extreme conditions and designing buildings capable of withstanding floods and heat waves are urgent measures. Additionally, installing renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, ensures a continuous power supply during disasters.
- Optimizing water resource management: Ensuring access to drinking water and sanitation facilities for communities helps prevent waterborne diseases during floods.
- Monitoring and preventing climate-related diseases: Establishing an effective surveillance system for early detection of climate-related diseases and enhancing awareness-raising and vaccination campaigns is essential.
- Promoting sustainable and resilient agricultural practices: In at-risk areas, such as the Far North, farmers need support to adopt sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural methods to ensure food security.
- Implementing effective urban planning: Developing appropriate infrastructure mitigates the risks of flooding and extreme heat.
- Informing and sensitizing the population: Educating and raising awareness about climate risks equips communities with the necessary tools to respond effectively to disasters and safeguard their health.
- Establishing psychological support: Given the detrimental impact of climate change on mental health due to material and human losses, it is crucial to establish psychological monitoring units for communities severely impacted by climate change.
Conclusion
This paper analyzed the direct and indirect effects of climate change on the health of populations in Cameroon. The examination revealed that these effects pose a growing threat to the country’s sustainable and inclusive development. Variations in rainfall patterns and elevated temperatures facilitate the spread of numerous diseases, with serious repercussions for vulnerable groups, particularly children, women, the elderly, and individuals with co-morbidities. Therefore, it is urgent to adopt an integrated approach to combating climate change, considering perspectives from climatology, epidemiology, and public health. The primary recommendations focus on strengthening the healthcare system, promoting sustainable environmental practices, and raising public awareness about the dangers of climate change.
