Typhoid fever
Dear Neil,
Typhoid fever remains a persistent public health challenge in Africa, particularly in areas with limited access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. The disease, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is transmitted predominantly through the ingestion of contaminated water and food. Unsafe water sources like rivers, poorly maintained wells, and unprotected boreholes serve as conduits for typhoid transmission, disproportionately affecting children, women, the elderly, and vulnerable communities.
Climate change exacerbates this risk. Increasingly erratic rainfall, flooding, and prolonged drought compromise water quality, overwhelm sanitation systems, and promote bacterial proliferation in communal water supplies. Urban slums and climate-stressed rural settlements are especially susceptible, highlighting the intersection of environmental stressors and health vulnerability.
Preventive measures require integrated approaches: investment in climate-resilient water infrastructure, community water treatment and hygiene education, routine vaccination, and rapid outbreak detection. Strengthening local health systems and climate actions to respond promptly to typhoid cases is critical, as is advocacy for sustainable water and climate governance policies. Addressing typhoid is therefore not only a health priority but also a climate adaptation, social equity imperative, and development issue. By safeguarding water quality and promoting resilient climate-health systems, we protect communities and advance sustainable development goals (SDGs) on health, climate, and wellbeing.
HIFA Profile: Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje is a leading voice in health education, community health, and advocacy, with decades of experience advancing people-centered development across Africa and beyond. His approach to health education emphasizes participatory learning, knowledge transfer, and behavior change communication, ensuring that individuals and communities gain the skills and awareness to make informed decisions about their health. He develops and delivers innovative health promotion strategies tailored to local realities, particularly in resource-limited settings. In community health, Dr. Adirieje has championed integrated primary health care, preventive medicine, and grassroots health initiatives. Through Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), which he leads, he connects civil society, community groups, and health institutions to strengthen healthcare delivery, tackle health inequities, and improve access to essential services for vulnerable populations. His work addresses infectious diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition, climate and health, environmental health, and emerging public health challenges. As a passionate advocate, Dr. Adirieje works with governments, NGOs, and international organizations to influence health policy, mobilize resources, and promote sustainable development goals (SDGs). He amplifies community voices, ensuring that health systems are inclusive, accountable, and responsive. His advocacy extends beyond health to governance, environment, and social justice, positioning him as a multidisciplinary leader shaping healthier and more equitable societies. afrepton AT gmail.com