Global warming and the possible globalization of vector-borne diseases: a call for increased awareness and action.

Andrew J. Nok,Emmanuel O. Balogun,Kiyoshi Kita

doi:10.1186/s41182-016-0039-0

Andrew J. Nok, Emmanuel O. Balogun + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-016-0039-0

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Abstract

Human activities such as burning of fossil fuels play a role in upsetting a previously more balanced and harmonious ecosystem. Climate change—a significant variation in the usual pattern of Earth’s average weather conditions is a product of this ecosystem imbalance, and the rise in the Earth’s average temperature (global warming) is a prominent evidence. There is a correlation between global warming and the ease of transmission of infectious diseases. Therefore, with global health in focus, we herein opine a stepping-up of research activities regarding global warming and infectious diseases globally.

Highlights

Two remarkable consequences of technological advancements are (1) the boost in global economy, and (2) global warming
In order to prevent the worldwide spread of the vectors and the diseases they transmit, we advice on the need to promote policies that encourage living conditions that are unfavorable to the breeding of infectious disease vectors in developing countries, and to increase the funding for research leading prevention and management interventions for such diseases globally
In an effort to stem this spread, the UNICEF/UNDP/ World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) in partnership with International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada, and other donors have pioneered the funding of trans-disciplinary studies on vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in the context of socio-ecological variabilities [12]

Summary

Background

Evidences on the significant rise in the Earth’s temperature (global warming) are accumulating, and the rise is predicted to continue further. This has been shown to be concomitant with the expansion of the foci of infectious diseases most especially those transmitted by vectors such as arthropods. In order to prevent the worldwide spread of the vectors and the diseases they transmit, we advice on the need to promote policies that encourage living conditions that are unfavorable to the breeding of infectious disease vectors in developing countries, and to increase the funding for research leading prevention and management interventions for such diseases globally

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