World Environment Day 2026: AMMREN Says “When We Protect Nature, We Protect Health” as Climate Change Fuels Malaria Risk

The African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN) has joined the global community to mark World Environment Day 2026, warning that climate change is rapidly becoming a public health emergency across Ghana and Africa.

Under the theme _“Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,”_ AMMREN said in a press statement signed by Executive Secretary Dr. Charity Binka that healthy forests, clean rivers, wetlands and fertile soils are “nature’s greatest allies” in fighting climate change and protecting human health.

“This year’s theme reminds us that nature remains our greatest ally,” AMMREN stated. “Healthy ecosystems not only sustain life but also serve as natural solutions to many of the environmental and public health challenges confronting humanity today.”

Climate Change = Health Crisis
AMMREN, which advances public health through evidence-based advocacy and media engagement, stressed the inseparable link between environmental sustainability and disease prevention.

Across Ghana and Africa, rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, floods and droughts are driving food insecurity, displacement, loss of livelihoods and increased disease burdens. Climate variability is also altering the transmission patterns of vector-borne diseases like malaria, putting millions more at risk.

“Climate change is not only an environmental issue; it is increasingly becoming a public health emergency that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, and low-income communities,” Dr. Binka said.

Degradation is Making Disease Worse
The statement pointed to deforestation, pollution, poor waste management and illegal mining as threats undermining community resilience. Pollution of water bodies and destruction of wetlands damage both environmental integrity and health outcomes.

Poor sanitation and choked drains were singled out as major risks: “They create breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease vectors, increasing the risk of malaria and other communicable diseases. The fight against climate change and environmental degradation must therefore be recognized as an integral component of disease prevention.”

Nature-Based Solutions as the Way Forward
AMMREN called for practical, cost-effective nature-based solutions: protecting forests, restoring degraded landscapes, conserving biodiversity, safeguarding water resources, and promoting climate-smart agriculture. It also urged the media to step up climate literacy, combat misinformation, amplify community voices and hold institutions accountable.

AMMREN’s Call to Action
On World Environment Day, AMMREN is calling on:

1. Government: Strengthen policies and investments in environmental protection, climate resilience and public health.
2. Local authorities: Prioritise waste management, drainage maintenance and environmental sanitation.
3. Traditional & religious leaders: Champion conservation and sustainable practices.
4. Media: Increase reporting on climate change, environmental health and community solutions.
5. Civil society: Intensify public education and advocacy for environmental justice.
6. Citizens: Adopt responsible behaviours — plant trees, dispose of waste properly, conserve water, protect ecosystems.

“As we mark World Environment Day 2026, let us recommit ourselves to safeguarding our environment, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting healthier communities across Ghana and Africa,” AMMREN said.

It closed with a direct message: “When we protect nature, we protect health. When we act on climate, we secure our future.”_

World Environment Day is observed globally on June 5 each year to encourage action for environmental protection.

About AMMREN
The African Media and Malaria Research Network is a network of journalists and researchers dedicated to evidence-based communication on malaria, public health and climate-related health issues across Africa.