Subject to a high burden of diarrheal disease, the east provinces of Afghansitan are also suceptable to climate changes. The most devastating consequences are the occurrence of flash floods and aridity. The climate changes trends will exacerbate the health risks associated with deficiencies in water, sanitation and hygiene. This study investigated the distribution of diarrheal disease in the east provinces and how linked with climate variables. Using monthly aggregated new cases of acute diarrhea reported between 2018 and 2023 by Health Management information system department, Ministry of public health of Afghanistan. We found seasonal variation and temperature are positively linked with diarrhea incidence. Initial analysis shows a seasonal trend in diarrhea cases, with peak incidence occurring in summer and reduced incidence during winter months. The recorded diarrhea cases show marked increment in the incidence of acute watery diarrhea in 2023 in eastern region. the incidence of diarrhea cases increased in 2023 (480/1000 population at risk) compared to 2019 (360/1000 population at risk) in eastern region. The impact of flash floods and Aridity as a consequences of climate change in Afghanistan cannot be underestimated. Increasing the incidence of water borne diseases like diarrhea and other infectious diseases outbreaks are important issues that could be assessed. Allowing for policymakers to account for potential impacts of climate change in their public health assessments, and provides a framework that could be extended to similar settings.
Read full abstract