Impact of Climate Change on Human Health in Selected Sub-Saharan Africa Countries

Abstract

Despite high climate vulnerability, empirical evidence on the dynamic relationship between climate variables and health outcomes in SSA remains limited. This paper investigates the climate–health nexus in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using a panel ARDL framework for 7 countries over 1991-2025. Panel bounds tests reveal heterogeneous cointegration, with stable long-run relationships in a subset of countries. Long-run results indicate that carbon emissions significantly reduce life expectancy, while temperature exhibit negative and marginal effects, however, the link between rainfall and life expectance is not pronounced. The emissions coefficient plays a dual role, as an environmental health risk and a proxy for structural transformation, suggesting that development gains may partially offset environmental costs. Rainfall exerts persistent effects through flooding and waterborne disease. Short-run dynamics are heterogeneous across countries, with rainfall emerging as the most immediate determinant of health outcomes. Error-correction terms confirm gradual convergence to long-run equilibrium at varying speeds. Policymakers should prioritise climate-resilient health systems, including flood-resistant infrastructure and disease surveillance to mitigate rainfall-related risks. Countries must decouple structural transformation from carbon-intensive growth through low-carbon energy transitions and green industrial policies. Enhanced governance, decentralised adaptation, and regional coordination through African multilateral frameworks are essential to manage transboundary climate risks effectively.