Project Overview
Title: Human Capacity Building in Climate Change and Health in Africa
Funding Agency: Global Affairs Canada, through the Canadian International Development Scholarships (BCDI 2030)
Goal: To develop a Ph.D. training program focused on the mathematical modeling of climate change and health-related risks in Africa, with a focus on interdisciplinary skills and community engagement.
Project Summary
This scholarship project, led by York University in partnership with AIMS Rwanda, aims to build capacity in Africa for tackling climate change and health-related challenges. The project focuses on creating innovative Ph.D. training programs that will provide students with expertise in mathematical modeling, data analytics, and visualization for climate and health applications.
The training program will include:
- Mathematical Modelling for climate change and health risks
- Data Analytics for healthcare and environmental data
- Smart City solutions for disaster management
- Health Technology development for healthcare improvement
The program's interdisciplinary approach will prepare researchers to apply their skills in various sectors, contributing to Africa’s resilience to climate change and improving public health systems.
Key Research Areas
- Climate Change Modeling: Developing models to predict climate impacts on health and the environment.
- Data Analytics: Using big data to support evidence-based decision-making for climate and health policies.
- Health Technology: Innovating in medical technologies for monitoring health impacts, especially in rural communities.
- Smart Cities: Building sustainable urban infrastructure to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Key Contributors
- Project Lead: Jude Kong (Faculty Member, Dept. of Mathematics & Statistics, York University)
- Partner Institution: AIMS Rwanda (Rwanda University)
- Co-Supervisors: York University faculty members specializing in climate change, health sciences, and data analytics.
Funding and Resources
- Global Affairs Canada
- York University Contributions
- Duration: 2023–2028, with annual evaluations and reviews.
Impact and Future Goals
This project will contribute to increasing the number of African Ph.D. students trained in climate change and health modeling. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge to lead research and policy initiatives in their home countries, building Africa’s capacity to respond to climate-related health challenges. The program also focuses on fostering gender equality, with a targeted scholarship fund to support female researchers.