The Effects of Heat Wave on Human Health and Adaptive Strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa

Rufai Abdulmajid¹ , Aminu Zakariyau²

1. Dept. of Educational foundations, Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsin-Ma, Nigeria.
2. Dept. of Social studies, Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsin-Ma, Nigeria.

Section:Review Paper, Product Type: Journal-Paper
Vol.10 , Issue.9 , pp.36-41, Sep-2024

Online published on Sep 30, 2024

Copyright © Rufai Abdulmajid, Aminu Zakariyau . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
 

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Abstract :
This review examined studies that analyzed the effects of heat wave on human health in Sub-Saharan Africa. Research articles on the effects of extreme heat, humidity, heat waves, and heat-related morbidity and mortality were identified. Temperatures of up to 50 °C have been reported in the region and that severe heat has numerous effects on human health. The detrimental effects of heat wave on the health of humans in the region include declining mental health of adults in low-income areas, an increase in the risks of miscarriage and renal diseases, and a decrease in productivity and social comfort. Other effects include meningitis, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, malaria, and deaths. These impacts are exacerbated by the population`s low socio-economic status and the environmental quality. Some of the adaptive measures highlighted are incorporating tree planting and greening urban buildings, designs, and materials to improve ventilation and comfort, which will reduce health risks associated with extreme temperatures, the need to always stay hydrated, and developing protected green areas where people can find shelter during heat waves. Other measures include improving health infrastructure, health action plans development, improving the surveillance and response systems, enhancing education on health risks associated with climate change to boost community awareness, and preparedness.

Key-Words / Index Term :
Temperature, Health, Climate Change, Heat, Health risks, Africa

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