Climate change and climate variability are already affecting Mozambique. Since the 1950s, the country has experienced an increase in the occurrence of extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, hurricanes, and cyclones. From 1960 to 2006, temperatures have increased by 0.6 ºC and mean annual rainfall has decreased by an average of 2.5 mm per decade. Since the 1960s, rainy seasons have commenced later, and dry spells have lasted longer.
These observed changes in climate are expected to continue into the future. Climate projections predict that mean annual temperatures in Mozambique are likely to rise by 1.0-2.8 ºC by the 2060s and between 1.4-4.6 ºC by the end of the 21st century. Precipitation is anticipated to increase in most parts of the country, particularly during the rainy season. Droughts and floods are predicted to become more frequent, and cyclones more intense.
Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, and the increase in frequency and intensity of extreme climatic events have already had a severe impact on health in Mozambique. These impacts have been both direct and indirect. Extreme weather events result in injury, disease and the direct loss of human life. They also cause the loss and destruction of crops, livestock, ecosystems, and economic and social infrastructure—all key determinants of human health.
Vector-borne diseases, diarrhoeal diseases and malnutrition are all influenced by seasonal, inter-annual climate variability. Malaria is of a particular concern for Mozambique. Warmer temperatures and a rise in heavy rainfall events will increase mosquito breeding, which can increase the spread of malaria. Diarrhoea and cholera also show a strong relationship to climate variability, which is likely to be exacerbated by climate change.
NEWS
ACTIVITIES
Strengthening the Resilience of the Mozambique Health System to Climate Change Impacts
Organisations involved: WHO (implementer), Flanders (donor)
Description: The goal of the project is to strengthen the climate resilience of Mozambique’s National Health System, enabling it to better prepare for, cope with and manage the health risks posed by climate variability and change.
National Climate, Environment and Health Observatory
Organisations involved: Ministry of Health-National Institute of Health, Mozambique
Description: The National Climate, Environment and Health Observatory aims to generate and promote scientific evidence to inform climate-resilient health policies and plans, increase awareness, and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of health adaptation actions.
Public Dialogue on Climate Change and Health in Mozambique
Organisations involved:Ministry of Health-National Institute of Health and National Observatory of Health, Mozambique
Description: The primary aim of the public dialogue was to sensitise key actors and civil society on current and future impacts of climate change in the health sector. The dialogue also aimed to build support for a multi-sectoral response to mitigate the impact of climate change on health.
ATLAS – Climate Adaptation, Thought Leadership and Assessments
Organisations involved: INS (implementer), USAID (donor)
Description: ATLAS aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of climate risk reduction in development programmes through tested, harmonised approaches to adaptation assessments; thought leadership; and by building the capacity of USAID and its partners.
Photo credit: Henriques Balidy, 2015, Centre for the Sustainable Development of Coastal Zones.
Capacity building training for Mozambique health sector on Water, Sanitation and Climate Change
Organisations involved: WHO
Description: Training was conducted in 2018 and 2019 aimed at strengthening capacity in provinces and districts to address the health risks of climate change and environmental determinants of health. Sessions included training on water quality monitoring and surveillance, environmental health training, water safety planning, WASH and the prevention of diarrheal disease, cholera, and malaria.
Download the training report