Update: Malawi is preparing to host the 5th African Regional Conference on Loss and Damage from March 25 to 27 in Lilongwe, expanding on earlier announcements regarding the upcoming regional climate summit. According to Nyasa Times, the Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) will host the gathering to address the severe impacts of extreme weather across the continent. CISONECC National Coordinator Julius Ng'oma stated that many African nations still face barriers to accessing climate finance. The conference will focus on securing support from the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage to help communities recover from floods and droughts.
In a related development, the connection between climate change and public health took centre stage during Malawi's commemoration of World Kidney Day on March 12, according to AfricaBrief. The event was led by the Ministry of Health and the Malawi Health Equity Network under the theme "Kidney Health for All, Caring for People, Protecting the Planet." Health officials warned that environmental degradation, extreme heat, and water contamination are direct contributors to kidney disease. Authorities also pointed out the heavy environmental footprint of medical treatments, noting that dialysis demands large quantities of water and electricity, and urged a shift toward sustainable healthcare practices.