Project title: Climate Change and the Mental Health of Vulnerable Groups: Addressing the Evidence Gaps in Sub-Saharan Africa
The impact of climate change on mental health is a growing concern, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women and children in Sub-Saharan Africa. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 calls for urgent actions to combat climate change and its impact on health. Joining this effort, we're launching a 24-month (November 2024 to November 2026) research project investigating the relationship between climate change and mental health in this region.
Hosted by the School of Public Health, University of Ghana, and the London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, and led by Dr. Benedict Weobong, Prof. Philip Tabong, and Dr. Seyi Soremekun, our project combines three interconnected research approaches to build a robust evidence base for climate-mental health linkages. We will;
Synthesise existing research to map the current landscape and identify key evidence gaps
Conduct quantitative assessments using longitudinal mental health datasets linked with satellite climate data,
Perform an in-depth case study in Ghana to evaluate health system readiness for climate-related mental health challenges.
The project's core purpose is to identify and leverage available longitudinal data sources with mental health outcomes for women and children in sub-Saharan Africa, enabling us to understand the impacts of climate change on mental health, the contexts in which these impacts occur, and the consequences for future mental health service provision.
In collaboration with the Kintampo Health Research Centre and leveraging their expertise and resources, the project will engage key stakeholders, including primary care facilities, mental health providers, community members, and policymakers. Through records reviews, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions, we will capture multiple perspectives on climate-mental health intersections and service provision needs. By shedding light on the complex relationships between climate change and mental health, we hope to contribute to the development of effective strategies for mitigating the mental health impacts of climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Join us in pioneering research that puts mental health at the heart of climate adaptation.
Key contacts:
Dr. Benedict Weobong: bweobong@ug.edu.gh
Prof. Philip Teg-Nefaah Tabong: ptabong@ug.edu.gh
Dr. Seyi Soremekun: seyi.soremekun@lshtm.ac.uk
Project Manager:
Mr. Clinton Sekyere Frempong: frempongclinton@gmail.com
Funder: Medical Research Foundation, United Kingdom