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Family Physician Perceptions of Climate Change, Migration, Health, and Healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Exploratory Study

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  • Charlotte Scheerens

    (Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
    Department of Economics—CESSMIR, Ghent University, UNU-CRIS, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
    Department of Lung Health, BIDMC, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA)

  • Els Bekaert

    (Department of Economics—CESSMIR, Ghent University, UNU-CRIS, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Sunanda Ray

    (Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
    School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa)

  • Akye Essuman

    (Department of Community Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana)

  • Bob Mash

    (Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa)

  • Peter Decat

    (Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium)

  • An De Sutter

    (Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Patrick Van Damme

    (Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Wouter Vanhove

    (Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Samuel Lietaer

    (Department of Environmental management and Land-use Planning, IGEAT-Centre d’Etudes du Développement Durable (CEDD), Université Libre de Bruxelles, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium)

  • Jan De Maeseneer

    (Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Farai Madzimbamuto

    (Department of Anaesthetics and Critical Care, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
    Co-last author.)

  • Ilse Ruyssen

    (Department of Economics—CESSMIR, Ghent University, UNU-CRIS, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
    Co-last author.)

Abstract

Although family physicians (FPs) are community-oriented primary care generalists and should be the entry point for the population’s interaction with the health system, they are underrepresented in research on the climate change, migration, and health(care) nexus (hereafter referred to as the nexus). Similarly, FPs can provide valuable insights into building capacity through integrating health-determining sectors for climate-resilient and migration-inclusive health systems, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Here, we explore FPs’ perceptions on the nexus in SSA and on intersectoral capacity building. Three focus groups conducted during the 2019 WONCA-Africa conference in Uganda were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Participants’ perceived interactions related to (1) migration and climate change, (2) migration for better health and healthcare, (3) health impacts of climate change and the role of healthcare, and (4) health impacts of migration and the role of healthcare were studied. We coined these complex and reinforcing interactions as continuous feedback loops intertwined with socio-economic, institutional, and demographic context. Participants identified five intersectoral capacity-building opportunities on micro, meso, macro, and supra (international) levels: multi-dimensional and multi-layered governance structures; improving FP training and primary healthcare working conditions; health advocacy in primary healthcare; collaboration between the health sector and civil society; and more responsibilities for high-income countries. This exploratory study presents a unique and novel perspective on the nexus in SSA which contributes to interdisciplinary research agendas and FP policy responses on national, regional, and global levels.

Suggested Citation

  • Charlotte Scheerens & Els Bekaert & Sunanda Ray & Akye Essuman & Bob Mash & Peter Decat & An De Sutter & Patrick Van Damme & Wouter Vanhove & Samuel Lietaer & Jan De Maeseneer & Farai Madzimbamuto & I, 2021. "Family Physician Perceptions of Climate Change, Migration, Health, and Healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Exploratory Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:12:p:6323-:d:573060
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Patricia Nayna Schwerdtle & Julia Stockemer & Kathryn J. Bowen & Rainer Sauerborn & Celia McMichael & Ina Danquah, 2020. "A Meta-Synthesis of Policy Recommendations Regarding Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-30, December.
    2. Olper, A. & Falco, C. & Galeotti, M., 2018. "Climate Change, Agriculture and Migration: Is there a Causal Relationship ?," 2018 Conference, July 28-August 2, 2018, Vancouver, British Columbia 277488, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    3. Chiara Falco & Marzio Galeotti & Alessandro Olper, 2018. "Climate change and Migration: Is Agriculture the Main Channel?," IEFE Working Papers 100, IEFE, Center for Research on Energy and Environmental Economics and Policy, Universita' Bocconi, Milano, Italy.
    4. Chiara Falco & Franco Donzelli & Alessandro Olper, 2018. "Climate Change, Agriculture and Migration: A Survey," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-21, May.
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