ASTRA and WEMA Research Recognised at Mozambique’s Climate and Health Conference

ASTRA and WEMA research exploring the health impacts of extreme weather events, mental well-being, disease burden and health system resilience received recognition at the Conference on the Impact of Climate Change on Health, held in Mozambique on 19 and 20 October 2026.

The conference brought together researchers, policymakers, health professionals, civil society, private-sector representatives and national and international partners to share scientific evidence and discuss strategies for addressing the impacts of climate change on public health and healthcare systems.

Organised by Mozambique’s National Institute of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and partners, the conference provided a platform for sharing research, strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration and advancing evidence-informed climate adaptation in the health sector.

The conference recognised researchers working across several areas of climate and health, including climate change communication, the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, digital health innovation, and multidisciplinary approaches to climate resilience.

The award recipients were:

• Dr Nonkululeko Zondo – Best Oral Presentation in Education, Arts, Communication and Literacy on Climate Change and Health (ASTRA)
• Dr Astrid Treffry-Goatley – Best Oral Presenter Award in the Impacts of Climate Change on the Burden of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases category (WEMA)
• Dr Marlies Craig – Best Oral Presentation in Innovations in Digital Health to Address the Challenges of Climate Change and Health (ASTRA)
• Dr Sithembiso Ndlovu – Best Oral Presentation in Multidisciplinarity and One Health in the Context of Climate Change and Health (WEMA)
• Mr Alberto Muanido – Best Poster in the Impacts of Climate Change on the Burden of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases category (WEMA)

At the conference, ASTRA study research assistant, Zandile Mthethwa, showcased her poster titled “Impact of Extreme Weather Events on the Mental Well-being of People Living with HIV”. ASTRA Senior social science research assistant, Nondumiso Mpanza, also showcased her poster titled “Health Workforce Resilience to Climate-Related Shocks: Staffing Shortage and Readiness Factors”.

Congratulations to our award-winning team! Your work is contributing to an important and growing body of evidence at the intersection of climate change and health.

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