West African nations launch climate adaptation and health resilience projects

West African nations are launching new initiatives to combat the impacts of climate change. In Benin, the SAP055 project has been officially introduced to strengthen health resilience in the lower Ouémé valley. Funded by the Green Climate Fund, the project aims to protect approximately 97,900 people directly from climate-related health issues, such as malaria, cardiovascular diseases, and acute respiratory infections. Planned interventions include upgrading health infrastructure, creating medicinal botanical gardens, and establishing early warning systems.

In Senegal, five micro-projects totaling 460 million CFA francs (approximately 700,000 euros) have been launched to bolster climate adaptation. These projects, implemented through the PACO regional program and organized by the Centre de Suivi Ecologique, will target five regions: Saint Louis, Thiès, Kaolack, Fatick, and Kolda. The initiatives are designed to benefit over 12,000 people, with a specific focus on supporting women and local communities facing droughts, extreme temperatures, and land degradation.