Climate change, planetary health and education in Africa – Some case studies and perspectives

Africa is a diverse continent with a rich cultural heritage, abundant natural resources characterised by a great vulnerability to climate change and several health inequalities. These inequalities are also observed in the provision of planetary health instruction. This paper explores the interconnection between climate change and planetary health education inAfrican universities. Also,the study examines the extent to which some African universities are handling the theme of planetary health education. The method used involved a bibliometric analysis of climate change and health, focusing on specific institutions and initiatives that illustrate the extent of planetary health education carried out in Africa till date. The results of the study suggested that themes related to planetary health are increasingly being studied in African universities. Also, the study notes that the term “planetary health” is scarcely used in the reviewed literature; and to make planetary health a common topic in university programmes, the theme needs to be given a wider recognition and attention. The paper concludes by outlining measures that should be implemented as part of public health programmes to be offered at African universities, which may help in enhancing the adoption of education on planetary health.