About The Event
3rd Health And Climate Change Scientific Conference
Where
Machakos International Convention Center, Mikuyu, Machakos County, Kenya
When
Tuesday 15 th - 18 th Oct 2024
Speech
The Chair, Organizing Committee on the Opening of the 3rd Health Climate Change Conference in Machakos
Distinguished guests, colleagues, ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the organizing committee, I am honored to welcome you to the opening of the 3rd Health Climate Change Conference in Machakos. As chair of the organizing committee, I am privileged to continue this important dialogue on the pressing intersection of health and climate change.
Our organizing committee, comprising members from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the Ministry of Health, Machakos County, and valued partners, has come together to build upon the momentum and insights gained from our previous conferences. This gathering is a testament to our collective commitment to addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change to human health.
This year's conference theme, “Advancing Global and Regional Health Climate Action: Bridging Research, Policy, and Implementation for Universal Health Coverage,” underscores the urgent need to strengthen our healthcare infrastructure and communities in the face of escalating climate-related challenges.
The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changes in disease patterns.
These threats disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing health inequalities. It is imperative that we take decisive action to mitigate climate change and adapt to its consequences, ensuring the well-being of present and future generations.
To facilitate in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing, we have curated a series of panel and round table discussions featuring renowned experts from various fields. These sessions will provide opportunities for participants to engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, and explore potential solutions.
We are also privileged to have esteemed keynote speakers who will share their insights and perspectives on the critical issues at hand. Their expertise will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of the complex interplay between health and climate change.
This conference provides a unique opportunity to discuss the latest research, innovations, and policy developments related to health and climate change. We will explore strategies for building resilient health systems, promoting sustainable healthcare practices, and protecting vulnerable communities. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, we can develop effective solutions to address the health and climate change challenges of our time.
As we embark on this important conference, I encourage all of us to participate actively in the discussions and contribute your expertise to our collective efforts. Together, we can shape a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
Let us remember the words of the renowned environmental activist, Wangari Maathai: "It is the responsibility of every generation to protect the earth for the next." Let us embrace this responsibility with renewed vigor and determination.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Sophie Matu
Chair, Health and Climate Change Conference
Key Note Speakers
Here are some of our key note speakers
Professor Wallace Dimbuson Bulimo is a distinguished Kenyan molecular virologist and epidemiologist currently serving as the Principal Research Scientist at the Centre for Virus Research and Deputy Director of the Department of Epidemiology, Statistics, and Informatics at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). Prof. Bulimo has a diverse educational background, holding a B.Sc. in Biochemistry/Chemistry and an M.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Nairobi, followed by a Ph.D. in Molecular Virology from the University of Hertfordshire, UK. He completed his postdoctoral training in Immunopathology at the Institute for Animal Health, Compton, Berkshire, UK.
Throughout his career, Prof. Bulimo has made significant contributions to virology, particularly in the surveillance and research of acute respiratory infections. He has established and coordinated extensive surveillance networks across East and Central Africa and led numerous groundbreaking research projects in collaboration with international organizations, including the U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate and the CDC.
His expertise spans a wide range of fields, including molecular mechanisms of immunity, bioinformatics, synthetic biology, biodefense, and vaccine research. He has pioneered several initiatives in biodefense and biorisk management, contributing to the development of Kenya’s national biorisk management curriculum. Additionally, Prof. Bulimo has supervised numerous graduate students, shaping the next generation of researchers in molecular biology, virology, and epidemiology.
Prof. Bulimo's leadership roles extend to his efforts in developing the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Population Health Biosurveillance and Epidemiology at KEMRI and establishing the Department of Epidemiology Statistics and Informatics (DESI), the home of Data Science in KEMRI. His work has been recognized both locally and internationally, notably receiving KEMRI’s Global Excellence Award in Medical Research in 2020.
His contributions have led to numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals, and he remains actively involved in shaping the future of health research through his participation in various scientific committees and as a key advisor in epidemiology and bioinformatics. Prof. Bulimo continues to be a key figure in both national and international health research, driving innovation in the fight against infectious diseases.
Secretariat
Here are our secretariat members
Transport Routes
| Route | Mode of Transport | Fare | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi (Afya Center) to Machakos Town | Matatu (Public Minibus) | KES 250 - 300 | 1.5 - 2 hours |
| Nairobi (Easy Coach Station) to Machakos Town | Matatu (Public Minibus) | KES 300 - 350 | 1.5 - 2 hours |
| Machakos Town to MICC | Matatu (Mini-matatu/Suzuki) | KES 100 | 15 - 20 minutes |
| Machakos Town to MICC | Boda Boda (Motorbike Taxi) | KES 50 - 80 | 10 - 15 minutes |
Program
Here is our event schedule
Click here to download the program
Arrival and registration of participants
ISLET Company
Opening Prayers
Willah Nabukwangwa
KEMRI-Master of ceremony and co-moderation (Dr. Amukoye)
Opening Remarks
Chairperson—organizing committee
Sophie Matu
Remarks from Conference Sponsors
1. Mama Doing Good
2. SEI
3. CCAK
4. CAA
5. AMREF
6. Kingdom of Netherlands
Representatives:
Elizabeth Koskei, Dr. Phillip Osano, Daniel Wanjohi, Prof Dan Pope, Dr. Martin Muchangi, Eva Legtenberg
Department of Health - Machakos County
CEC-Health
Head, Directorate, Public Health & Sanitation - MOH
Dr. Grace Ikahu
Director General - KEMRI
Prof. Songok
Keynote Speech 1: Comprehensive Framework for Climate and Health: Unveiling New National Public Health Strategies and Trainings
Antony Wainaina, Head of Environmental Health
Chair, Board of Directors - KEMRI
Dr Abdulahi Ali
Moderation by Prof. Songok
DG for Health - Dutch Government Representative
Dr. Mark Van Passel
UK Government
UK government representative
Keynote Speech 2: Innovative Financing Mechanisms for Climate-Resilient Health Systems
Peter Ogwang's - Chief Health Analyst (AfDB)
PS State Department Climate Change (MoEF)
Dr. Eng. Festus Ngeno
PS State Department of Public Health (MoH)
Mary Muthoni Muriuki
Official Opening Remarks by the Governor - Machakos
HE Wavinya Ndeti
Photo session/health break/press briefing
KEMRI Communication Team
Conference Secretariat
Parallel Session 1: Conference Hall - Symposium 1: Transforming air pollution and heat monitoring data into actionable information for better health
Representatives from (TNO, MOH, SEforALL, Clean Air (Africa), CCAK, KMD, AMREF, MKU)
Moderation by Lolem Lokolile, Department of Public Health, MOH
Parallel Session 2: Machakos Town/ KMTC Manza Campus
1. Clean up exercise - Launch of Epuka Uchafu campaign
2. Global handwashing day
MOH
Janet Mule - WASH HUB, Department of Public Health, MOH
Lunch Break
Oral Presentation 1: Strengthening Capacity for Climate and Health Action: Training needs and opportunities
KEMRI-CAA & SEI
Dr. Mwitari/Dr. Osano
Panel Discussion 1: Integrating Climate Actions into Universal Health Coverage
Counties
Moderation: Wanjiku Kagondu
Panel Discussion 2: Challenges, Opportunities and Lessons Learned in Building Climate Resilient Health Systems
MOH and County Governments
Moderation: Eng. Christopher Gakuu
Arrival and Registration
Workshop 1: Integrating Climate Considerations into UHC Plans: A Practical Approach
Facilitators: Representatives from Ministries of Health and Environment, and experts in UHC planning
Panelists:
- Lolem Lokolile (MOH)
- TBD - MoEF
- TBD - SHIF
- TBD - MoEnergy
- TBD - MoA
- MOH Department of Financing
Moderator: Dr. James Mwitari
Keynote Speech 3: Scaling Efforts for Just Transition to Clean Energy in Africa - A Global Priority for Health, the Environment, and the Planet
Presenter: Prof. Dan Pope
Tea Break and Networking
Panel Discussion 3: Advancing Climate Change and Health Policies in Kenya and Africa
Panelists:
- Lolem Lokolile - MOH
- Arthur Gohole - KEMRI-CAA
- John Nyabogo - Machakos County
- Dr. Barbara Mambo - WHO
- Dr. James Mwitari - KEMRI-CAA
Moderator: Gamaliel Omondi (MOH)
Oral Presentations 2: Track 1 - Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience in Health Systems
- A novel Extreme Weather Risk Insurance System for Kenya (NEWRISK) Project: Encouraging Preparedness, Planning, Community Co-design, and Protection of Kenya's Health System from the Effects of Extreme Weather - Dr. Benjamin Tsofa (Moderator: Ivy Murgor)
- Climate Action in the Health Sector by County Governments – A Case Study of Three Successive Kisumu County Administrations - Charles Muruka
- Passive Cooling Options Plus Vector Proofing for Indoor Heat Reduction and Mosquito Control: A Pilot Study in Rural Western Kenya - Dr. Bernard Abongo
- AI for Innovative Climate and Agronomy Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Global Growth - Dr. Dennis G Magu
- The Pollution of Nairobi Rivers: A Path to Restoration - Charity Mumbi Mwangi
- Developing Hybrid Air Quality Solutions for Climate-Resilient Health Systems in East Africa - Anthony Kimotho
- Exploring Youth Health Needs in Relation to UHC: Insights from Kisumu, Bungoma, and Homabay Counties - Vyolah Chuchu
- Enhancing Climate-Resilient Health Systems Financing: Lessons Learnt from FloCCA in Kenya - Agnes Mukui
- Understanding Nairobi’s Air: Climate, Health, and Gendered Impacts - Dr. George Mwaniki
- Impact on Air Quality, Public Health, and Climate Change: Exploring How the Adoption of Electric 2 and 3 Wheelers Can Reduce Air Pollution, Contribute to GHG Mitigation, and Improve Public Health Outcomes in Kenya - Amos Mwangi
Lunch Break
Panel Discussion 4: Emerging Climate Change and Health Topics (Ethics, Gender, Equity, etc.)
Panelists:
- Prof. Marion Mutugi
- Benson Simba - AMREF
- Enock Kibienei - IRB KEMRI
- Dr. Esther Matu - Indigenous Knowledge
- Okiya Omtata Okoit - Senator Busia - Climate Justice
- Ann Wambui - MDG
Panel Discussion 5: Tobacco Control and Pollution Control in the Context of Climate Change
Panelists:
- Dr. Toro - MOH
- Dr. Naomi Shaban - Chair TCB
- Anthony Muthemba - Head of Tobacco Unit, Nairobi County
- Fabian Oriri - Policy Development Officer - ILA
- Gamaliel Omondi - MOH
Moderator: Antony Wainaina - Secretary, Tobacco Control Board
Poster Presentations
- INTERPERSONAL THERAPY GROUP: A Community-Based Model to Address Depression and Anxiety Among Young People in Machakos County - Regina Muia (Moderator: Benjamin Masila, EPHAK)
- Elements of Indoor Air Pollution as a Risk Factor for Lung Cancer and Respiratory Diseases in Rural Siaya County - Aduro Lavender
- Malaria Data Quality Audit: A Game Changer in Early Detection and Monitoring of Malaria Epidemics in West Pokot County - Duncan Ong'ayi
- Advance Climate Insights: A Comprehensive Analysis of Weather Forecast in Maseno University, Kenya - Dr. Thomas Mawora
- Factors Influencing Uptake of Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Device Among Women of Reproductive Age Attending Family Planning Clinic at Embu Teaching & Referral Hospital - Mercy Syombua
- Knowledge & Perceptions Towards Enrollment in NHIF by University Students - Asenath Nyantika
- Unpredicted Weather Patterns: A Situational Analysis of Post Floods Risk Assessment in Tana River County, Kenya - Duncan Ong'ayi
- Baseline Assessment Among Households Using Polluting Fuels for Cooking in Kenya - Dr. James Mwitari
- University of Liverpool Air Quality Data (Particulate Matter) and Asthma Morbidity - John Spafford
Arrival and Registration
Keynote Speech 4
Climate Change and Universal Health Coverage: Challenges and Opportunities in Africa
Dr. Martin Muchangi (Amref Health Africa)
Moderator: Dr. Hellen Meme
Keynote Speech 5
AI at the Intersection: Revolutionalizing Climate Change and Health Research
Prof. Wallace Bulimo
Special Oral Session
Enhancing Climate-Health Resilience: Insights from the Machakos 2024 Floods
Wanyaga Mwaniki (Public Health Director- Machakos)
Moderator: John Nyabogo (Health Director, Machakos County)
The Impact of Climate Change on Infectious Disease Patterns and Public Health Implications
Anne Mwende Ndolo (Public Health Officer - Machakos County)
Tea Break and Networking
Panel Discussion 6
The Role of Technology and Innovation in Climate-Resilient Health Solutions
Panelists: Representatives from tech companies, startups, and research institutions
1. Dr. Dennis Magu-JKUAT
2. Ayan Aden- Safaricom
3. Wycliff Ngonga - Faith Engineers
4. Ken Paton- AGreatE
Moderator: Dr. George Mwaniki - WRI
Oral Presentations 3
Track 2: Climate-Resilient Health Systems and Financing
- Leveraging Technology and Innovation for Climate-Resilient Health Solutions: A Case Study from Nakuru Hospital, Kenya - Ngongang Wandji Danube - SEI
- Health Impacts of Healthcare Waste Management - Murielle Perin - AMB Ecosteryl Belgium
- The Impact and Implications of Climate Change on Rainfall Surface Water Flow: A Machakos County Perspective - Joseph Nzomo
- Overview of the Kenya Climate Change and Health Strategy 2024-2029 - Rose Kemunto Mokaya
- Utilizing Community Health Promoters to Achieve UHC Amidst Changing Climatic Changes In Machakos County - Veronica Mwangangi
- Exposure monitoring to support evidence-based mitigation actions - Dr. Bas Henzing
- Leveraging Culture for Climate Action and Health Outcomes: Evaluating the Effect of the Loka Project on Gender Equity and Community Well-being in Migori County - Erick Ndenga
Moderator: Dr. James Mwitari
Lunch Break
Closing Plenary
Key Takeaways and Recommendations for Action
Dr. Steve Wandiga - Chief Rapporteur
Remarks from the Organizing Committee - Sophie Matu - Conference Chair
Call to Action - Lolem Lokolile - MOH
Closing remarks by high-level dignitaries:
1. County Representative
2. MOH Representative
3. PS Climate Change - Environment
Prof. Songok - KEMRI DG
Dr. Abdullahi Ali - KEMRI Board Chair
County Governor Machakos
PS Mary Muthoni - MOH
Dr. Eng. Festus Ngeno - PS State Department of Climate Change, MoEF
Tree Planting / Photo Session
KEMRI Communication Team / Mama Doing Good
Event Venue
Machakos International Convention Center, Mikuyu, Machakos County, Kenya
The Machakos International Convention Center (MICC), located in Mikuyu, Machakos County, Kenya, is a modern facility designed to host a variety of events, including conferences, exhibitions, and other large gatherings. Here are some key details about the center:
Hotels
Gallery
Partners
F.A.Q
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How do i attend?
You can attend the event on the given dates after registration.
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How do i pay?
See payment instructions on the conference poster.
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Who can attend?
All healthcare providers are welcome
Registration Options
| Payment | Amount |
|---|---|
| Students | Kshs. 10,000/- |
| Delegates | Kshs. 20,000/- |
| Exhibitions | Kshs. 30,000/- |
| Payment method | Instructions | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| MPESA Paybill | Business Number: 522522 | Account Number: 1104161966 |
| Bank: Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) | Account name: KEMRI CONFERENCE, Account number: A/C 1104161966 | (Kindly scan and share with us a copy of the bank slip) |