Climate change linked to increase in malaria cases

The Health Minister says climate change has contributed to an increase in malaria and cholera cases

Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang says climate change is causing an increase in diseases such as malaria and cholera in the country. Tshabalala-Msimang made the statement while addressing the World Health Day celebrations in Boipatong in the Vaal.

The day is being held under the theme 'Protecting Health from Climate Change'.

Tshabalala-Msimang also said that the day is in line with a World Health Organisation (WHO) statement linking climate change to global health threats. The statement was issued for the WHO’s 60th birthday today.

WHO has warned that climate change has already begun affecting human health. WHO says changing weather patterns are leading to more flooding, higher temperatures and more severe storms, and that health services around the world need to prepare for the new circumstances.

An Assistant Director-General of WHO, David Heyman, says there are already glimpses of what will happen.