Strategies for reducing the burden of climate-sensitive diarrheal infections on young children

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Climate-sensitive infectious diseases are an issue of growing concern due to global warming and the related increase in extreme climate and weather events. Diarrhea, which is strongly associated with climatic factors, remains among the leading causes of child death globally, disproportionately affecting populations in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: We use Demographic and Health Survey data for 28 low- to middle-income countries in combination with high resolution climate data to estimate the association between precipitation shocks and symptoms of diarrhea in children under 3. We account for difference in exposure risk by climate zone and explore cost-effective intervention strategies, including immunization and caregiving practices. RESULTS:We find that anomalously dry weather increases the risk of diarrhea symptoms in the tropical savannah regions. In the humid subtropical regions, the same health risk is increased due to anomalously wet weather. Our analysis of effect modifiers reveals that different interventions may be effective in both climate zones. Improved feeding practices are found to significantly reduce children’s susceptibility to diarrheal infections associated with droughts. Basic immunization seems to provide some protection against diarrheal infections following heavy precipitation events. Moreover, we find evidence that the rotavirus vaccine can significantly reduce or even eliminate the risk of diarrhea symptoms associated with both droughts and heavy precipitation events. CONCLUSIONS:We identified areas of intervention that can reduce the burden of climate-sensitive infectious diseases on children, focusing on diarrheal infections. The presented findings call for urgent action to improve child feeding practices and expand access to the rotavirus vaccine in low- and middle-income countries where climate change poses considerable risk to population health. Future research needs to explore other cost-effective interventions that can address the mounting risks to child health posed by climate change. KEYWORDS: precipitation, childhood diarrhea, immunization, child feeding practices