Rising temperatures
threaten human health.

As global temperatures rise, extreme heat poses a growing health risk, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Heat Adaptation Benefits and Vulnerability in Africa (HABVIA) is a research project dedicated to addressing this challenge.

By working directly with communities in South Africa and Ghana, HABVIA investigates practical and scalable solutions to reduce heat stress and protect vulnerable populations.

Through data-driven research and community-led interventions, we aim to fill critical knowledge gaps on the environmental, health, and socio-economic impacts of heat adaptation. From testing innovative cooling solutions to developing early warning systems, HABVIA is committed to enhancing climate resilience where it is needed most.

Investigating Heat
Adaptation in Africa

HABVIA is conducting research in four heat-stressed communities:

  • Ga-Mashie (Accra, Ghana): A coastal fishing community.
  • Nkwantakese (Kumasi, Ghana): A rural village outside Kumasi.
  • Site B (Khayelitsha, South Africa): A mixed formal-informal township in Cape Town.
  • Mphego Village (Limpopo, South Africa): A rural community near Thohoyandou.

Each of these locations experiences extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 35°C during the hot season—posing significant health risks.

Key challenges include...

High Exposure to Extreme Heat

Many people live and work in environments without adequate protection from rising temperatures, making them vulnerable to heat stress and related health risks.

Health Impacts

Extended exposure leads to increased mortality, cardiometabolic diseases, mental health disorders, and overall diminished well-being.

Economic Impact

Heat exposure significantly reduces productivity, especially among manual labourers and informal settlement dwellers, causing economic strain.

Adaptation Deficit

Sub-Saharan Africa lacks sufficient heat adaptation strategies, and current interventions have minimal evidence of long-term efficacy, particularly in real-world conditions.

Evidence-based strategies & solutions.

Collaborating with global experts, HABVIA is committed to scalable, real-world solutions that reduce heat-related risks.

HABVIA is committed to long-term change, providing practical solutions that protect communities from the increasing health risks posed by climate change.

By addressing the "adaptation deficit" in sub-Saharan Africa, the project will deliver evidence-based strategies to improve the lives of those most affected by extreme heat.

HABVIA News & Outputs

Stay informed about our latest research findings, community engagements, and policy developments.
For more updates, follow HABVIA’s latest research and impact stories.

Latest News

Latest Outputs

Real communities.
Real strategies.
Real change.

TO BE ANNOUNCED

Behavioural Adaptation in a Changing Climate

WEBINAR - PUBLIC WELCOME TO ATTEND

25 Oct - 19:00 SAST

Our partners

The principal investigators, based at UCT are collaborating with a number of high-level research partners including the South African Medical Research Council, the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana), the University of Bristol (UK), the Ghana Meteorological Agency, the South African Weather Services, and Slum Dwellers International to action this work.

The HABVIA project is funded by the Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation dedicated to advancing research in life, health, and well-being. Through the HeatNexus, HABVIA is one of nine initiatives to receive funding, aligning with Wellcome Trusts’ mission to tackle worldwide health challenges, including mental health, infectious diseases, and climate and health.

Our collaborators

Contact Us

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