Climate Change and Health Conversation with Nana Adwoa Achiaa

Climate & Health podcast
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Uncovering the critical connection between climate change and health, this podcast explores the impacts, solutions, and success stories. Join expert discussions, research reviews, community project highlights, and Q&A sessions. Be part of the long overdue conversation to inspire action, foster collaboration, and promote resilience in a changing climate. Stay Curious! Stay Informed! Take Action!

  1. 08/21/2025

    They Call It Sodom and Gomorrah.Akua Calls It Home — A Story of Lived Realities in Slums as Climate Change Intensifies.

    In Accra’s slum communities like Old Fadama, climate change isn’t abstract it’s daily reality. Floods, extreme heat, poor sanitation, and limited healthcare collide to create a silent health crisis. In this insightful episode of Conversations on Climate Change and Health,Dr. Bob Manteaw shares powerful stories of residents living with these vulnerabilities — and their resilience. Together, we explore what urban health justice means, why ignoring slums weakens entire cities, and how building climate-resilient futures must begin with those most at risk. Tune in and join the long-overdue conversations on climate change and health. 🔗 Read the full paper here: Urbanization, climate change and health vulnerabilities in slum communities in Ghana (ResearchGate)📩 Share your thoughts with us: climatehealthpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on social media: X (Twitter):@c3hpod Instagram: @c3hpod Linkedin: Conversations on Climate Change and Health

    16 min

  2. 07/14/2025

    We Know What We're Doing: The Youth-Led Movement for Clean Air

    We Know What We're Doing: The Youth-Led Movement for Clean Air In this insightful episode of Conversations on Climate Change and Health, we spotlight a bold, youth-led movement that's transforming the air we breathe. From the crowded streets of Accra to the alleys of Nairobi, young citizens are rising—not just with placards, but with precision advocacy powered by science. 🎧 Join us as we chat with Lord and Becky from the Accra Cityzens Hub (UrbanBetter Science) — a dynamic initiative where youth collect real-time air quality data, craft policy briefs, and lead awareness campaigns that are reshaping urban health narratives. From influencing marathon safety protocols to training young advocates, their impact is undeniable. 🔬 In our Research Spotlight, we travel to Mathare, Kenya, where a landmark study, "Why Participation Matters for Air Quality Studies", shows how community involvement in air monitoring can drive real change. Because when communities lead, transformation follows. This is more than air pollution—this is a public health movement.💡 Tune in. Be inspired. And remember: we know what we're doing. Share your thoughts on :climatehealthpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on social media: X (Twitter): @c3hpod Instagram: @c3hpod LinkedIn: Conversations on Climate Change and Health 📚 Resource Spotlight:Why Participation Matters for Air Quality Studies: Risk Perceptions, Understandings of Air Pollution and Mobilization in a Poor Neighborhood in Nairobi, Kenya🔗 Read on PubMed

    18 min

  3. 06/16/2025

    The Schistosomiasis Story: Climate Change's Hidden Risk

    In this insightful episode of "Conversations on Climate Change and Health," we unpack how a warming world is reshaping our well-being by acting as a powerful risk multiplier for infectious diseases. We zoom in on schistosomiasis, a waterborne parasitic disease that is becoming more widespread, persistent, and harder to control as rainfall patterns shift, floodwaters rise, and temperatures warm, creating new habitats for disease-carrying organisms. Our special guest, Madam Fatima Amponsah, a lecturer in the Microbiology Department at the University for Development Studies in Tamale, Ghana, shares her expertise on this neglected tropical disease. She explains that schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is caused by a parasite that enters the body through contact with contaminated water bodies, with water snails acting as carriers. While over 250 million people are affected globally, a staggering 90% of this population is from sub-Saharan Africa, including over 10 million people in Ghana. Madam Amponsah draws a clear connection between climate change and the disease's transmission, noting that the parasite and its host thrive in optimum temperatures of 27 to 35∘C, which are now being exceeded due to climate change. She highlights how water scarcity, caused by less rainfall and the drying up of water bodies, forces communities in places like the Tolon District of northern Ghana to depend on contaminated dams originally meant for agriculture, thereby perpetuating the infection cycle. The episode sheds light on the severe impact of schistosomiasis, particularly on women and girls in these communities. Their role in fetching water exposes them to the parasite, leading to female genital schistosomiasis. This often results in girls dropping out of school. We delve into effective strategies and interventions, emphasizing the need for clean and segregated water systems for both humans and animals, widespread awareness campaigns linking climate change to parasitic infections, and comprehensive treatment programs that include all affected community members, not just school-going children. Madam Amponsah stresses that schistosomiasis, being the second most prevalent neglected tropical disease after malaria, requires equal attention and resources. The episode concludes with a powerful call to action for governments, non-governmental organizations, donor agencies, and community members to collaborate in fighting schistosomiasis. It underscores that proper sanitation is crucial for interrupting the parasite's cycle. Join us to understand this silent threat and learn how tackling climate change can create healthier futures for all.

    26 min

  4. 05/12/2025

    Is Climate Change a Reproductive Health Time Bomb ?

    What if the air you breathe and the heat you feel are silently shaping your ability to start a family? The science is clear—climate change isn’t just melting ice caps; it’s altering our bodies in ways you’d never expect. In this eye-opening episode of Conversations on Climate Change and Health, host Nana Adjoa sits down with sustainability scientist Miss Josephine Boateng to unravel the shocking connections between climate change and reproductive health. Josephine explains how extreme heat, air pollution, and sea-level rise are linked to infertility, preterm births, and even gender-based violence. Josephine shares her research on vulnerable communities in Ghana, where women face impossible choices as their environments collapse around them. Tune in to learn why climate action is reproductive justice—and how you can be part of the solution. Stay curious. Stay informed. Take action.

    28 min

  5. 03/04/2025

    Is Ghana's health system Climate Proof? Conversation on Health system resilience

    Summary This conversation explores the critical intersection of climate change and healthcare, focusing on how extreme weather events impact healthcare provision in Ghana. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by healthcare systems, the need for resilient infrastructure, and innovative solutions to adapt to climate extremes. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and research in addressing these pressing issues. Takeaways Climate change is a harsh reality affecting healthcare.Extreme weather events disrupt healthcare delivery systems.Healthcare workers face significant challenges during climatic events.Patients often lack access to adequate cooling in facilities.Greening healthcare facilities can help mitigate heat effects.Innovative technologies can enhance healthcare resilience.Telehealth can reduce costs and improve access to care.Community engagement is essential for effective healthcare solutions.Research highlights vulnerabilities in urban healthcare systems.Systematic improvements are needed to enhance healthcare resilience.

    25 min
  6. Climate Change and Cholera Outbreak in Ghana

    12/26/2024

    Climate Change and Cholera Outbreak in Ghana

    This episode explores the intricate relationship between climate change and health, focusing on the recent cholera outbreak in Ghana. It discusses how climate change contributes to the spread of cholera through extreme weather patterns, rising temperatures, and inadequate sanitation. Personal stories from affected individuals highlight the human impact of cholera outbreaks, emphasizing the need for better infrastructure and preventive measures. The conversation concludes with actionable solutions to mitigate the health impacts of climate change. Wishing you a joyous Christmas season and a prosperous New Year! As the holiday season approaches, it's essential to remain vigilant about climate-related health risks. Stay informed, take necessary precautions, and prioritize your well-being. We look forward to connecting with you again in the new year

    11 min
  7. Does climate change exacerbate Gender-based violence? Let’s discuss

    12/09/2024

    Does climate change exacerbate Gender-based violence? Let’s discuss

    This conversation explores the critical intersection of climate change and health, particularly focusing on how climate change exacerbates gender-based violence. It highlights the vulnerabilities faced by women and marginalized communities during extreme weather events and the need for targeted interventions and community engagement to address these issues effectively.

    9 min
  8. Health is the Argument for Climate Action. Insights from WHOs COP29 Special Report

    11/23/2024

    Health is the Argument for Climate Action. Insights from WHOs COP29 Special Report

    Welcome to the Conversations on Climate Change and Health, where we unpack the critical intersection of climate change and health, inspired by key findings from the WHO COP29 special report. This episode dives into the profound impacts of climate change on global health, from exacerbating non-communicable diseases and maternal risks to food insecurity and mental health challenges. Discover how rising temperatures, air pollution, and extreme weather events strain healthcare systems and vulnerable populations. Explore actionable priorities, like innovative health financing and integrating health into climate policies, to protect future generations. Join us in this vital conversation—because a healthy population is the foundation of prosperity. Stay informed, stay curious, and take action.

    9 min
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Uncovering the critical connection between climate change and health, this podcast explores the impacts, solutions, and success stories. Join expert discussions, research reviews, community project highlights, and Q&A sessions. Be part of the long overdue conversation to inspire action, foster collaboration, and promote resilience in a changing climate. Stay Curious! Stay Informed! Take Action!

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