Perspectives of Local Community Leaders, Health Care Workers, Volunteers, Policy Makers and Academia on Climate Change Related Health Risks in Mukuru Informal Settlement in Nairobi, Kenya—A Qualitative Study

Johanne Greibe Andersen, Catherine Karekezi, Zipporah Ali, Gerald Yonga, Per Kallestrup and Christian Kraef
Additional contact information
Johanne Greibe Andersen: Center for Global Health, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
Catherine Karekezi: Kenya Diabetes Management and Information Centre, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Zipporah Ali: Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance of Kenya, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Gerald Yonga: Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance of Kenya, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Per Kallestrup: Center for Global Health, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
Christian Kraef: Center for Global Health, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 22, 1-11

Abstract: Sub-Saharan Africa has been identified as one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change. The objective of this study was to explore knowledge and perspectives on climate change and health-related issues, with a particular focus on non-communicable diseases, in the informal settlement (urban slum) of Mukuru in Nairobi, Kenya. Three focus group discussions and five in-depth interviews were conducted with total of 28 participants representing local community leaders, health care workers, volunteers, policy makers and academia. Data were collected using semi-structured interview guides and analyzed using grounded theory. Seven main themes emerged: climate change related diseases, nutrition and access to clean water, environmental risk factors, urban planning and public infrastructure, economic risk factors, vulnerable groups, and adaptation strategies. All participants were conscious of a link between climate change and health. This is the first qualitative study on climate change and health in an informal settlement in Africa. The study provides important information on perceived health risks, risk factors and adaptation strategies related to climate change. This can inform policy making, urban planning and health care, and guide future research. One important strategy to adapt to climate change-associated health risks is to provide training of local communities, thus ensuring adaptation strategies and climate change advocacy.

Keywords: climate change; environmental health; informal settlements; slums; non-communicable diseases; communicable diseases; low- and middle-income countries (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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