The Global Nexa Initiative: A Climate and Health Revolution
The world is witnessing a groundbreaking initiative that could shape the future of climate and health innovations. The Global Nexa Initiative, a collaboration between Grand Challenges Canada and the Science for Africa Foundation, along with a global network of partners, is set to revolutionize how we address the growing health impacts of climate change. With a focus on locally led innovations, Nexa aims to mobilize significant investments to support climate-health solutions in low- and middle-income countries.
A Global Health Crisis
The climate crisis, as described by The Lancet, poses the greatest global health threat of the 21st century. With an estimated 3.6 billion people living in climate-vulnerable regions, the need for action is urgent. Rising temperatures, changing disease patterns, and severe weather events disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, children, and underserved communities with limited healthcare access.
Nexa's Vision
Dr. Karlee Silver, CEO of Grand Challenges Canada, emphasizes the importance of locally led innovation in transforming how people stay healthy in the face of climate change. Nexa's approach is unique, informed by the largest climate and health survey, engaging 6,400 respondents across 107 low- and middle-income countries. This survey, conducted in collaboration with The Geneva Learning Foundation, provides valuable insights from health workers, scientists, innovators, policymakers, and humanitarian workers affected by climate-related health threats.
Climate-Health Focus
Nexa's primary focus is on three key climate-related drivers of health risks: changing vector patterns causing malaria and dengue, extreme heat, and poor air quality. By supporting bold innovations, Nexa aims to strengthen health systems adaptation and resilience, ensuring that vulnerable communities can anticipate, adapt, and respond to climate-related health threats.
Catalytic Funding and Impact
The initiative will provide catalytic funding for both early-stage and growth-stage climate and health innovations. Proof of Concept innovations will receive up to US$200,000 over 18-24 months, while proven solutions will receive approximately US$250,000 to $2,000,000 in Transition to Scale funding. This funding model ensures that innovative ideas can be nurtured and scaled, ultimately leading to transformational impact.
A Global Network of Partners
Nexa's strength lies in its global network of partners, including the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Sanofi Foundation, Fund for Innovation in Development, and members of the Global Grand Challenges Network in Botswana, Brazil, Malawi, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa. This diverse group brings together expertise, resources, and local knowledge, ensuring that Nexa's impact is both significant and sustainable.
A Call to Action
The first Nexa funding call is now open, accepting applications for innovations in Africa and the Americas. This is a crucial step towards mobilizing the necessary investments to support climate-health solutions. As Nexa continues to evolve, future funding calls will address climate and health innovation in Asia, further expanding its global reach.
In conclusion, the Global Nexa Initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change and its impact on global health. By empowering locally led innovations and fostering global collaboration, Nexa has the potential to create lasting change and build a healthier, more resilient future for vulnerable communities worldwide.
