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Submission information
Submission Number: 268
Submission ID: 1509
Submission UUID: 4d6f37bc-a489-40a9-b2cf-6bec884a9073
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Tue, 07/22/2025 - 09:21
Completed: Tue, 07/22/2025 - 13:23
Changed: Tue, 08/12/2025 - 14:24
Remote IP address: 196.25.71.126
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
Presenters
Ms.
Ngubane
Samkelisiwe ngubane
Africa health research institute
I work as a Participant Protection Lead under broad scientific domains – population science, basic and translational science, implementation science, and clinical trials at Africa Health Research Institute. My roles involve ensuring high-quality of psychosocial care to research participants, developing and maintaining strategic relationships with external stakeholder, developing quality Improvement systems, conducting needs analysis, developing and amending SOPs whilst adhering to Good Clinical Practice. My experience as a social worker is quite intense from NGO’s, Government and Private sectors. I am a PhD candidate with a master’s degree, PGD in Social and Behavioural Studies (HIV/AIDS) and bachelor’s degree in social work.
No
Abstract
The impact of extreme weather events on the mental health of vulnerable populations in Africa (WEMA project)
THEME 1: Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises
SUB 1.2 The impact of climate-related disasters (e.g., floods, wildfires, droughts) on marginalized and vulnerable populations.
Oral Presentation
Topic: The impact of extreme weather events on the mental health of vulnerable populations in Africa (WEMA project)
Background
The WEMA project focuses on the critical issue of how extreme weather events (EWEs) affect the mental health of vulnerable populations in Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mozambique, and South Africa. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of heatwaves, floods, and droughts, exacerbating health conditions and disproportionately impacting resource-poor settings. While the physical impacts of climate change are well-documented, the mental health consequences are often overlooked.
Methods
Our goal is to highlight the direct link between EWEs and common mental disorders (CMDs) among vulnerable populations. To achieve this, we've assembled a transdisciplinary team of experts, including community members, climate scientists, psychiatrists, epidemiologists, and social workers. Over 36 months (April 2024 to March 2027), we'll use mixed methods research to:
1. Generate new evidence on the effects of EWEs on CMDs using existing data.
2. Investigate the burden and impact of CMDs among vulnerable populations exposed to EWEs.
3. Engage stakeholders in interpreting evidence and brainstorming context-specific interventions.
4. Deliver a targeted public engagement and strategic communication campaign to drive policy change.
Results
The project's findings are expected to demonstrate a direct link between EWE-related displacement and poor mental health among vulnerable populations. The results will inform targeted interventions and policy formulation tailored to each country's needs, advocating for the integration of psychosocial well-being into climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. Ultimately, the WEMA project aims to enhance resilience and reduce health inequities in affected communities. By amplifying our findings through advocacy and strategic communication, we hope to drive urgent policy and practice change at scale.
Background
The WEMA project focuses on the critical issue of how extreme weather events (EWEs) affect the mental health of vulnerable populations in Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mozambique, and South Africa. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of heatwaves, floods, and droughts, exacerbating health conditions and disproportionately impacting resource-poor settings. While the physical impacts of climate change are well-documented, the mental health consequences are often overlooked.
Methods
Our goal is to highlight the direct link between EWEs and common mental disorders (CMDs) among vulnerable populations. To achieve this, we've assembled a transdisciplinary team of experts, including community members, climate scientists, psychiatrists, epidemiologists, and social workers. Over 36 months (April 2024 to March 2027), we'll use mixed methods research to:
1. Generate new evidence on the effects of EWEs on CMDs using existing data.
2. Investigate the burden and impact of CMDs among vulnerable populations exposed to EWEs.
3. Engage stakeholders in interpreting evidence and brainstorming context-specific interventions.
4. Deliver a targeted public engagement and strategic communication campaign to drive policy change.
Results
The project's findings are expected to demonstrate a direct link between EWE-related displacement and poor mental health among vulnerable populations. The results will inform targeted interventions and policy formulation tailored to each country's needs, advocating for the integration of psychosocial well-being into climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. Ultimately, the WEMA project aims to enhance resilience and reduce health inequities in affected communities. By amplifying our findings through advocacy and strategic communication, we hope to drive urgent policy and practice change at scale.
Reviewer ONE Feedback
Dr
Thabisa
MATSEA
Yes
Empirical Research
Pending Review
Reviewer TWO Feedback
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Pending Review