Research uptake on vector-borne diseases and climate change

Abstract

Introduction. The African continent is particularly challenged by climate change. Climate change induces multiple threats to development and the social dimensions of climate change are therefore increasingly highlighted on the development agenda. This is of particular significance for drylands in sub-Saharan Africa, where water-related vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are a significant disease burden while at the same time the areas are particularly poor, food insecure, ecologically fragile and socially vulnerable. Lack of knowledge on the possible impacts of climate change on VBDs in Africa remains a serious obstacle to evidence-based health policy. Methods. The WHO/TDR-IDRC research programme on climate change focuses on a particular health threat, VBDs in the broader development context of human vulnerability to climate change. The overall goal of this research programme is to generate evidence through a shared analytical framework to enable development of innovative strategies to reduce human vulnerability and to increase resilience of African populations to VBD-related health threats. In addition, it is anticipated that the knowledge, research capacity, collaboration and policy advice products can be used throughout Africa and other regions. Results. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to health services and local capacity to cope with weather-related hazards, all determine the level of health vulnerability to climate change and must be taken into account when assessing risks/planning adaptation measures. Conclusions. This presentation will show how research uptake for improved understanding of health risks resulting from climate change is relevant to two important policy objectives: 1) for more fully informed decision-making about the need for, and schedule of, mitigation of climate change; and 2) as an information base for choosing and developing adaptive strategies to lessen already unavoidable health-related consequences of climate change.