This article was originally published by the Lancet Countdown 

This Earth Day, the Lancet Countdown is delighted to announce the launch of its Africa Regional Centre, which will be led by Professor Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi as its newly appointed Director.

Headquartered at University of Pretoria, the centre will engage academic researchers in Africa to deliver locally-led, insightful scientific assessments of health and climate change in this region, including the unique impacts, challenges, and responses being pursued.

Prof. Mabhaudhi joins the Lancet Countdown Africa team at a critical juncture, as the continent faces escalating health impacts due to climate change. The region is on the frontline of the climate change, though many of the countries most affected by its impacts have contributed least to its causes.

“I’m thrilled to join the Lancet Countdown as Director of the Africa Centre at such a pivotal moment,” said Prof Mabhaudhi, Professor of Climate Change, Food Systems and Health at LSHTM. “As the climate crisis intensifies, Africa stands at a unique crossroads—on the sharp end of experiencing the health impacts of climate change, yet rich with potential for resilient, health-centred solutions. I’m excited to collaborate with researchers across the continent to generate regionally grounded insights, amplify African leadership in climate-health research, and help shape bold, equitable responses. This is a crucial time to ensure Africa’s voice and experiences guide global climate-health discourse—and I’m delighted to be part of that journey.”

 

“The launch of the Regional Centre of the Lancet Countdown in Africa is a significant step towards ensuring the knowledge of researchers in the region is adequately represented in our global efforts, providing an increasingly comprehensive assessment of links between health and climate change. We are delighted to have Prof Mabhaudhi joining the Lancet Countdown, helping advance climate change and health research in Africa and beyond,” said Dr Marina Romanello, Executive Director of the Lancet Countdown. “His extensive experience and dedication to fostering collaboration among researchers will be invaluable in ensuring that Africa’s unique perspectives and solutions are at the forefront of global climate-health discussions, driving forward impactful solutions at this crucial moment.”

About the Lancet Countdown 

The Lancet Countdown: Tracking Progress on Health and Climate Change exists to monitor the links between public health and climate change, and the transition from health threat to opportunity. Receiving core funding from Wellcome, we are a global collaboration of almost 300 leading experts from academic institutions and UN agencies across the globe, bringing together climate scientists, engineers, energy specialists, economists, political scientists, public health professionals and doctors.

Each year our findings are published in the medical journal The Lancet ahead of the UN climate change negotiations. Our data makes clear how climate change is affecting our health, the consequences of delayed action and the health benefits of a robust response.

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