What is the message?
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Task Team on Climate Change, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), and Malaria, in collaboration with Reaching the Last Mile (RLM), highlights the urgent need for comprehensive research to understand the impact of climate change on malaria and NTDs.
The recent scoping review published in the Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene underscores the insufficiency of current research and the necessity for immediate, evidence-based interventions.
This summary is based on the article “New research flags the urgent need for research and evidence on the impact of climate change on neglected tropical diseases and malaria”, published by The World Health Organization (WHO) on May 22, 2024.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
What are the key points?
Climate Change and Disease Spread:
Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are extending the geographic range of disease vectors, such as mosquitoes.
This shift poses significant health risks, particularly in new, unprepared areas, potentially reversing decades of progress in controlling these diseases.
Urgent Research Needs:
The review of 42,693 articles revealed a lack of comprehensive understanding of climate change’s impact on malaria and NTDs.
There is a need for more standardized and collaborative modelling to predict disease patterns accurately.
Disproportionate Impact:
The effects of climate change are likely to be felt most acutely in communities already heavily burdened by malaria and NTDs.
Historically underserved areas are at greater risk, highlighting the need for more equitable research and intervention efforts.
Insufficient Focus on High-Burden Areas:
Research has predominantly focused on low-disease burden countries with high access to quality healthcare, neglecting high-burden regions.
Only 34% of the reviewed studies addressed mitigation strategies, and a mere 5% explored adaptation methods.
Call to Action:
There is an urgent call for increased investment in research to develop timely, evidence-based interventions.
A comprehensive, sustainable response is necessary to protect and build upon the progress made in the past two decades.
What are the key examples?
Geographic Range Expansion: Malaria transmission is likely to move towards higher altitudes and poles, while dengue and chikungunya vectors are predicted to expand their range.
Research Scope: The analysis included a diverse range of studies, examining the impact of climate change on various diseases, though some diseases remain under-represented.
What are the key statistics?
Out of 42,693 records, 1,543 full-text papers were examined, with 511 meeting the inclusion criteria.
Among these, 185 papers addressed malaria, 181 focused on dengue and chikungunya, and 53 reported outcomes on leishmaniasis.
Only 34% of the reviewed studies (174 studies) addressed mitigation strategies.
A mere 5% (24 studies) explored adaptation methods for climate change impacts on these diseases.
Conclusion
The scoping review by WHO and RLM reveals an urgent need for more robust, targeted research to understand and mitigate the impact of climate change on malaria and NTDs.
With the potential to reverse decades of global health progress, particularly in vulnerable communities, it is critical to mobilize resources and expertise now.
This comprehensive, equitable approach will ensure the gains against these diseases are not lost and will help protect the world’s most at-risk populations.
To read the original publication, click here.
