Child Heat Impact-Climate Health Intervention (CHI2): The invisible impact of heat on childhood respiratory health and interventions to ensure optimal child health in Sub-Saharan Africa

Grantholders

  • Prof Rajen Nithiseelan Naidoo

    University of Kwazulu Natal

  • Dr Cliff Zinyemba

    University of Zimbabwe

  • Dr Ebba Malmqvist

    Lund University

  • Dr kedir Roba

  • Prof Prakash Jeena

  • Dr Rebekah Lucas

    University of Birmingham

  • Mrs Shamiso Muteti Fana

    University of Zimbabwe

  • Prof Kristina Jakobsson

Project summary

Emerging evidence suggests that heat-related adverse respiratory outcomes are likely among children with asthma or respiratory infection. The effects among those children with pre-clinical or small airways disease is unknown. This could result in a silent pandemic manifesting as chronic respiratory disorders in later life. Using existing cohorts in Durban, South Africa and Haramaya, Ethiopia and a new cohort in Harare, Zimbabwe, we will investigate adverse respiratory health, specifically obstructive lung disease, (through spirometry), airways inflammation (through exhaled nitric oxide) and small airways disease (through impulse oscillometry) among 300 primary schoolchildren in each site. Models will be developed to predict heat exposure in microenvironments influenced by urban heat islands in which the children live. Focus group discussions among children and parents will provide further insights into exposure and health. Through Communities of Practice networks in each site, stakeholders such as community organisations, educators, local government policy makers and technical experts, will advise the implementation of environmental, administrative and educational interventions. Education campaigns will be conducted among children, parents/caregivers and educators. Policy leaders will guide the development of local government policy emerging from successful interventions. A transdisciplinary team will lead the project implementation. 

 

Key Words: respiratory health; sub-Saharan Africa; heat interventions.