Climate change parameters have resulted in 9-18% of total infectious disease cases, per a study published in the ‘Science of the Total Environment’ journal. Climate change, accelerated by human activities, could undermine public health advancements, especially in climate-vulnerable countries like India. This is particularly concerning as it may exacerbate the number of diseases, thereby challenging healthcare systems globally.
Key Points from The Report
The study identifies several key points emphasizing the impact of climate change on the prevalence of infectious diseases.
The Vulnerability of Children
Children are projected to shoulder most of the disease burden stemming from climate change. They are disproportionally affected, with impoverished children at greater risk. This greater susceptibility in children can be attributed to their physiological vulnerability coupled with exposure risks.
Factors Influencing Disease Prevalence
Climate parameters including temperature, humidity, rainfall, solar radiation, and wind speed have a significant association with infectious diseases such as gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory diseases, vector-borne diseases, and skin diseases.
Impact
Socio-economic conditions and a child’s anthropometry (the study of the dimensions and proportions of the human body) play a role in modifying the climate-disease relationship. A largescale number of children were found suffering from stunting, wasting, and underweight conditions.
The Link between Climate Change and Infectious Diseases: An Example of Malaria
Malaria is one of the most sensitive vector-borne diseases to long-term climate change, and its public health significance is enormous. It varies seasonally in endemic areas. For instance, India has a long history of studying the link between malaria and extreme climatic events. In the early 20th century, the river-irrigated Punjab region faced periodic malaria epidemics, which were attributed to excessive monsoon rainfall and high humidity, conditions that promote mosquito breeding. Recent studies have also shown that the risk of malaria epidemic jumps five-fold in the year following an El Niño event.
Way Forward
The changes in infectious disease transmission patterns are expected to be a significant consequence of climate change. Therefore, understanding the underlying complex causative associations and their potential future impacts is essential. This can be achieved by utilizing comprehensive, validated, and integrated predictive models. Policymakers should prioritize effective measures for child health, considering the current association which could amplify the disease burden under future climate-change scenarios. This is particularly crucial in the backdrop of an already malnourished pediatric population, which could be further impacted through multiple pathways.
Last Modified: February 14, 2024