Climate-resilient Systems and Infrastructure
HOSPITAL | ASCEND Synthesis Team
This research team investigates the health impacts of extreme heat in African cities, examining how rising temperatures and heatwaves affect hospital admissions and mortality, and assessing the extent to which these outcomes can be attributed to human-driven climate change.
Overview
About this synthesis team
This research team investigates the health impacts of extreme heat in African cities, examining how rising temperatures and heatwaves affect hospital admissions and mortality, and assessing the extent to which these outcomes can be attributed to human-driven climate change.
The Challenge
Hospitals and clinics are the frontline of climate-related health emergencies, yet the same floods, heatwaves, and storms that drive demand also disrupt power, water, access roads, and cold chains. Evidence on facility-level exposure is fragmented across health ministries, utilities, and climate agencies.
Our Approach
The HOSPITAL team synthesises facility registries, climate hazard projections, and service-continuity records into a single assessment framework, working alongside health system planners so that findings translate into procurement, retrofitting, and emergency planning decisions.
Expected Outputs
- Hospital vulnerability assessment framework
- Policy brief for health ministries
- Emergency continuity guidelines for facilities
People
Team members
Researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers contributing to this synthesis team.
Team leads
4 membersThandi Kapwata
South African Medical Research Council
Izidine Pinto
Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI)
Joyce Kimutai
Kenya Meteorological Services/Imperial College London
Elvis Ndikum
University of Yaounde, Cameroon
Team members
13 membersPefura Eric
University of Yaounde I-JAMOT HOSPITAL
Mbeh Adolf
University of Yaounde I
Mbida Stan
MOH
Kiming Ignatius
National Observatory on Climate Change
Andela Carine
University Teaching Hospital
Ahanda Delphine
Jamot Hospital
Patricia Nyinguro
Kenya Meteorological Services
Christine Mahonga
Kenya Meteorological Services
Wesley Oghera
Ministry of Health, Kenya
Rose Mokaya
Ministry of Health, Kenya
Caradee Wright
SAMRC
Candice Webster
SAMRC
Natasha Naidoo
SAMRC
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