New analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) has found that the number of reported disease outbreaks and climate-related health emergencies in the greater Horn Africa have reached their highest-ever level this century, deepening a health crisis in a region where 47 million people are already facing acute hunger. Most parts of the region are battling the worst drought in at least 40 years, with an unprecedented fifth rainy season failure now anticipated, while other parts face flooding and conflict.
“Climate change is having an impact here and now on the health of Africans in the greater Horn of Africa. The failure of four consecutive rainy seasons has scorched the earth and pushed people out of their homes in search of food and water,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “It is critical that world leaders reach agreement on stemming the rise in temperatures at the 27th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP27) which is very appropriately taking place in Africa. As a continent we are the least responsible for global warming, but among the first to experience its tragic impact.”
Climate-related health crisis worsens as disease outbreaks surge
Adapt or starve –IFAD calls for urgent climate finance
With the negative impacts of climate change becoming more frequent and severe, including devastating droughts and floods affecting the poorest rural communities in the Horn of Africa, Pakistan, and most recently Nigeria, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is calling for urgent and increased financing to support hundreds of millions of small-scale farmers adapt to climate change.
“Many rural communities don’t have a choice, they need to adapt now or risk severe food insecurity in the future. We must act today as the window to help rural people adapt, survive and protect their communities is rapidly narrowing. It is our collective responsibility to respond immediately,” said Alvaro Lario, President of IFAD.
Small-scale producers are essential to global food security but only receive 1.7 percent of climate finance – though they produce one-third of the world’s food overall. Many of the 3 billion people living in the rural areas of developing countries rely on small-scale farming for their food and livelihoods.
Women shortchanged by digital finance
Africa must invest in Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for women and girls, disciplines which would boost their economic empowerment and access to digital finance.
Keiso Matashane-Marite, Acting Chief of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Section, Gender, Poverty and Social Policy Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) says women and girls are marginalized economically. Women and girls face deep barriers in financial inclusion because they do not have the requisite skills and knowledge that STEM careers avail.
Matashane-Marite, speaking at a media briefing to present the results of the African Women’s Report on ‘Digital Finance Ecosystems Pathways to Women’s Economic Empowerment in Africa’, lamented the many barriers that prevent financial access for women in Africa. The study was done to promote economic empowerment of women and girls.
“Without economic empowerment of women, substantive empowerment of women is an issue,” Matashane-Marite,” noted, arguing that economic empowerment for women is the right step in ensuring women are empowered in the social and political spheres.
Neamn Yohannes
Name: Neamn Yohannes
Education: Diploma in food preparation
Company name: Chef Neamn fast foods
Title: Owner
Founded in: 2021
What it do: Serve fast foods
Hq: Addis Ababa around 22
Number of Employees: 2
Startup capital: Confidential
Current Capital: Growing
Reason for starting the Business: Financial Freedom
Biggest perk of ownership: Hard working
Biggest strength: Hard worker
Biggest challenge: Society awareness
Plan: To expand my business
First career: Chef
Most interested in meeting: Mariah Carey
Most admired person: None
Stress reducer: Listening music
Favorite past time: Working
Favorite book: Cooking books
Favorite destination: Bahir-dar
Favorite automobile: BMW
