SA-CARES - South Africa - Climate Air-emissions and Respiratory Health Early Sensing project

South Africa is characterised by a diverse range of regional climates, geomorphology, and ecosystems, subject to intense human activity pressure and a growing threat of rapid climate change impacts. Most provinces in the country comprise both rural and urban populations, with one of the world's highest inequality quotients, rendering a significant part of the population vulnerable to the full spectrum of climate variability's social, economic and health effects. South Africa has a massive deficiency in both the primary health datasets, exposure to biological aeroallergens (airborne pollen and fungal spores), links to respiratory health outcomes and adaptive policy. The blending of these intersecting exposure and respiratory health data is the starting point for developing this relevant project which will be designed to understand the crucial considerations for the clinical care of asthmatic patients considering climate change and exposome changes. Against this backdrop, and with the opportunity to leverage several policymakers, healthcare industry leaders, and citizens in climate-vulnerable regions, the project will help to develop more effective adaptation plans integrating how to translate high-level scientific results into benefits for health and society and improve the south African air quality legislative framework to include the monitoring of aeroallergens.