Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
S Afr Med J. 2019 Dec 5;109(11b):20-24. doi: 10.7196/SAMJ.2019.v109i11b.14253.
A changing climate is likely to have widespread and varying impacts on ecosystems and human health. South Africa (SA) is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, given the projected increases in temperature, and changes in the amount and patterns of rainfall. Moreover, SA's vulnerability is exacerbated by extreme inequality and poverty. To prepare for the impacts of climate change and to ensure timeous adaptation, a perspective is given on essential heat and health research in the country. Objectives. To gather studies conducted by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)'s Environment and Health Research Unit (EHRU) to illustrate the range of possible research key areas in the climate, heat and health domain and to present future research priorities. Methods. Studies conducted by the SAMRC's EHRU were gathered and used to illustrate the range of possible research key areas in the climate, heat and health domain. Using national and international published and grey literature, and tapping into institutional research experiences, an overview of research findings to date and future research priorities were developed. Results. Heat and health-related research has focussed on key settings, for example, schools, homes and outdoor work places, and vulnerable groups such as infants and children, the elderly and people with pre-existing diseases. The need to address basic needs and services provision was emphasised as an important priority. Conclusions. High and low temperatures in SA are already associated with mortality annually; these impacts are likely to increase with a changing climate. Critical cross-sectoral research will aid in understanding and preparing for temperature extremes in SA.
气候变化可能对生态系统和人类健康产生广泛而不同的影响。南非（SA）特别容易受到气候变化的影响，因为预计气温会升高，降雨量的数量和模式也会发生变化。此外，南非的脆弱性因极端不平等和贫困而加剧。为了应对气候变化的影响并确保及时适应，本文从国家的角度介绍了重要的热与健康研究。
目的。收集南非医学研究理事会（SAMRC）环境与健康研究单位（EHRU）开展的研究，说明气候、热与健康领域可能的研究重点领域的范围，并提出未来的研究重点。
方法。收集 SAMRC 的 EHRU 开展的研究，说明气候、热与健康领域可能的研究重点领域的范围。利用国家和国际已发表和灰色文献，并利用机构研究经验，对迄今为止的研究结果和未来的研究重点进行了概述。
结果。与热和健康相关的研究集中在关键环境，例如学校、家庭和户外工作场所，以及脆弱群体，如婴儿和儿童、老年人和患有慢性病的人。强调需要解决基本需求和服务提供问题，这是一个重要的优先事项。
结论。南非的高温和低温每年都与死亡率有关；随着气候变化，这些影响可能会增加。跨部门的关键研究将有助于了解和准备南非的极端温度。
