Africa should bolster research into climate-sensitive diseases

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There is mounting evidence that climate change is worsening the geographical spread and incidence of infectious diseases. Scientists have found that vectors such as mosquitoes and sandflies are thriving more due to warmer temperatures, increased rainfall, and flooding. These insects transmit diseases like leishmaniasis, and dengue, which are classified as neglected diseases because they receive little attention from the global health agenda.  

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Extreme weather events such as flooding and droughts are also causing climate-related migration or displacement, which may cause people to come into contact with infected sandflies. In 2021, the Kenyan Ministry of Health reported VL cases in five additional counties, bringing the total number to 11.

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The biggest challenge we face in Africa is the lack of effective diagnostics, drugs and vaccines to prevent, diagnose, and treat climate-sensitive neglected diseases. Biomedical innovation must therefore be a core part of the climate change adaptation strategy.

We need tools that can be easily integrated and deployed at the community level. A robust surveillance network can track disease vectors providing information to devise early warning systems that alert communities and health authorities. By strengthening healthcare infrastructure in vulnerable regions, we can respond effectively to outbreaks and guarantee access to treatment and medical supplies to everyone.

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