BACKGROUND:
Climate change is undermining the sustainability and resilience of health systems globally, intensifying service demands while exposing health workforce capacity gaps. Strengthening frontline capacity is a core pillar of climate-resilient health systems, requiring integrated competencies in climate-health risks, equity-oriented responses, preparedness, and system-level action. Frontline healthcare workers are central to responding to climate-related threats including heat stress, air pollution, and infectious disease outbreaks, yet structured, practice-oriented climate-health training remains limited, particularly in developing countries.

METHODS:
We designed and delivered a pilot interdisciplinary climate and health short course for frontline healthcare workers, including environmental health officers, nurses, doctors and allied health professionals in South Africa. Grounded in adult and experiential learning principles, the curriculum featured expert-led sessions with academics, researchers, and government officials; applied group work; and structured field visits to climate-responsive sites. Programme effectiveness was assessed using post-course surveys capturing self-reported gains in knowledge, confidence, and perceived applicability to professional practice, complemented by qualitative feedback.

RESULTS:
The pilot course demonstrated high feasibility, acceptability, and perceived impact. Participants reported substantial knowledge gains, with the strongest increases in foundational climate science and health impacts. Participants demonstrated markedly increased confidence to recognize vulnerable populations, advocate for climate-health interventions, and apply learning within their workplace. Experiential components, especially field visits, were identified as most valuable for translating theory into practice. Participants articulated clear commitments to apply learning in areas such as community education, advocacy, and improved waste management.

CONCLUSIONS:
This pilot course presents a replicable and scalable model for rapidly enhancing frontline capacity and confidence for practical action. Scaling and institutionalizing such training represent a promising pathway for embedding climate resilience within routine health system practice, thereby promoting sustainable health equity for all communities.