Climate Impact on MNCH, Malaria and Diarrheal Disease

The Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP) is partnering with the Government of Togo and local institutions to improve health resilience to climate change through social and behavior change (SBC) strategies. Funded by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (the German Agency for International Cooperation – GIZ) this one-year initiative supports the development of the country’s first national Climate and Health SBC Strategy and Toolkit, targeting the health effects of climate change in the northern regions of Togo. 

Togo is experiencing an increase in extreme weather events – like flooding, droughts, high temperatures, and strong winds – caused by climate change in West Africa. These disruptions are intensifying existing health risks such as malaria, diarrheal diseases, and heat-related illnesses, especially among pregnant women and young children. 

The northern regions – Savanes, Kara, and Centrale – are particularly vulnerable, with limited access to health services and high exposure to climate-sensitive health threats. Until now, no coordinated national strategy has existed to integrate climate change adaptation into community health programs. 

CCP is leading the design and implementation of a climate-smart health strategy that is evidence-based, community-driven, and focused on building long-term resilience in vulnerable populations. 

This approach is designed to do more than raise awareness – it aims to increase the use of essential health services during climate-related shocks, especially among those most at risk. The project also seeks to strengthen national capacity to identify and address climate-sensitive health risks, including malaria and diarrheal diseases, and to promote adaptive behaviors that help protect health at the household and community levels. 

By emphasizing inclusive, gender-equitable communication strategies, CCP is ensuring that messages are not only accessible and relevant, but also empower women, youth, and marginalized groups to take action. These efforts directly support Togo’s broader goals of improving public health outcomes and enhancing community resilience in the face of accelerating climate change.