MMUST’s Prolific Environmental Scientist Dr. Humphrey Agevi Appointed as Programme Coordinator for the Eastern and South African Hub for Climate Change and Health

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s (MMUST) prolific environmental scientist, Dr. Humphrey Agevi has been appointed as the Programme Coordinator for the Eastern and South African Hub for Climate Change and Health by Amref Health Africa. This new role will see Dr. Agevi coordinate climate change and health research initiatives. The collaborative platform brings together researchers, policymakers, academic institutions, governments, and development partners to generate evidence that informs climate-resilient health systems and sustainable development across the region.

Environmental scientist, Dr. Humphrey Agevi during one of the events in the Region.

Speaking to the DCCM crew, Dr. Agevi revealed that he will support the coordination of activities at the Pan-African Centre for Research and Policy in Climate Change and Health, domiciled at Amref International University.

“I am honoured to take up this regional responsibility at a time when climate change presents unprecedented challenges to health systems across Africa. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to strengthen locally led, evidence-informed solutions that improve health outcomes while building resilience among communities towards climate change,” said Dr. Agevi. He added that he will work closely with governments, regional organizations, and international development partners to advance innovative solutions that address the growing health impacts of climate change.

Dr. Agevi speaks at a past event.

As Regional Coordinator, Dr. Agevi will provide strategic leadership, coordinate multidisciplinary research, strengthen collaborations among universities and research institutions, and support early-career researchers. This will aid in facilitating knowledge translation and promote the uptake of scientific evidence into national and regional policy processes.

According to Dr. Agevi, climate change continues to pose significant threats to human health across Eastern and Southern Africa through increased frequency of extreme weather events, food and water insecurity, heat stress, changing patterns of infectious diseases, and pressure on already vulnerable health systems. Addressing these complex challenges requires strong regional collaboration, high-quality research, and sustained engagement between scientists, policymakers, and communities.

Dr. Agevi in action.  

Undoubtedly, this significant appointment not only underscores MMUST’s commitment to impacting communities through research and innovation but also globally up scales the University’s visibility in the climate change and health sectors. Notably, the appointment reflects the growing recognition of Dr. Agevi’s expertise in climate change, environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, research coordination, and evidence-to-policy engagement. Over the years, he has led and contributed to several regional and international research initiatives addressing climate adaptation, nature-based solutions, ecosystem resilience, environmental governance, and the interface between climate change and public health.

We congratulate Dr. Humphrey Agevi on this prestigious appointment. He is indeed one of the environmental scientists to watch!

By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Caren Nekesa Lucy olang’o and Rushela Aluoch