| Issue/Objective |
Climate change is intensifying health inequities in vulnerable rural settings, exposing limitations of fragmented, top-down responses. WHO emphasises the need for integrated, multisectoral approaches to build climate-resilient health and community systems. However, translating evidence into coordinated local action remains a gap. Aligned with CCGH 2026's focus on reclaiming equity through action, this study examines how district and community Climate and Health Task teams strengthened resilience, accountability, adaptation and service delivery in Binga district, Zimbabwe. |
| Methodology/Approach |
Pangaea Zimbabwe implemented a multisectoral climate change and health task teams at district and community level between 2024-2025. The stakeholders from health, agriculture, local government, civil protection, NGOs, and community leadership who formed the teams were convened into coordinated platforms. Interventions included orientation, joint planning, climate-health capacity building, early warning systems, climate-smart agriculture training, putting solar systems at clinics, and initiating expanded outreach health services provision. Routine program and health system data were analysed against key performance indicators on service access, resilience, and community adaptation. |
| Results |
The initiative improved access to essential health services, increasing from 11,596 to 47,780 people, supported by solarisation of three clinics and improved outreach services. Outreach coverage to remote populations increased from 3% (3,742/137,102) to 9-10% over three years, reflecting expanded service delivery in hard-to-reach areas. Community resilience was strengthened with 4,784 people reached with climate-health interventions, including 402 trained in climate adaptation, while 3,845 accessed community-based adaptation services. Climate-smart agriculture adoption contributed to improved food security, increasing from 52% to 93%. A total of 167 community health workers and extension agents were capacitated to deliver climate-sensitive services. Multisectoral coordination improved early warning systems, risk communication, and outbreak preparedness, contributing to reduced climate-related health impacts despite increased climate shocks. Local policy shifts and standard operating procedures for climate-health action were established through district health leadership and coordination platforms. |
| Discussion/Conclusion |
The findings demonstrate that multisectoral, community-embedded platforms are effective in strengthening health system resilience and advancing equity. The project empowered local actors and bridged the gap between research, policy, and implementation. The project also embedded accountability and innovation at community level where climate impacts are most felt. |
| Presenters and Affiliations |
Enock Musungwini Pangaea Zimbabwe |
