Climate change is projected to further increase the number and severity of heat waves, floods and droughts, causing disproportionate increases in injury, illness and death in underprivileged populations already burdened with wide-ranging health conditions. Future health risks will be determined not just by the hazards created by a changing climate, but also by the (in)ability of healthcare services to meet the needs of different population groups. While much is understood about the direct impact of extreme weather events (EWEs) on ill-health, less is known about indirect routes, such as population displacements and damage to infrastructure which could equally impact the health of vulnerable populations through interrupting access to or hindering health service provision.
The ASTRA Project is a comprehensive four-year initiative dedicated to bolstering the resilience of communities and health systems against extreme weather events (EWEs) in Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia. This project specifically focuses on marginalised populations living with HIV and/or tuberculosis, who are often vulnerable during such events. By leveraging co-designed interdisciplinary approaches, ASTRA aims to propose, prioritise and evaluate practical and sustainable interventions.
i) Nurture the capacity and capabilities of communities and the health workforce by equipping them with the knowledge to prepare and respond to EWEs
ii) Strengthen local research capacity on climate and health
iii) Provide evidence that will inform policy and practice.
The project involves a collaborative effort between local communities, health professionals and researchers to identify and respond to the most pressing health risks among people living with HIV and or tuberculosis during EWEs. These risks include increased transmission of diseases, disruptions in healthcare services, and heightened vulnerability due to pre-existing health conditions. ASTRA's interventions are designed to enhance the capacity of both communities and health systems to prevent, prepare for, and respond effectively to these health risks.
