Recent research published by the WHO Task Team on Climate Change, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and Malaria, in collaboration with Reaching the Last Mile (RLM) underscores the critical need for expanded research on the impacts of climate change on malaria and NTDs.

The study highlights that rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns are altering the spread of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya and leishmaniasis. Malaria, primarily transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, is likely to shift both polewards and to higher altitudes. Similarly, the range of Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue and chikungunya, is predicted to expand. This geographic spread increases the risk of these diseases in new and unprepared regions, exacerbating the public health burden.

Effective prevention strategies are crucial in combating these diseases. For malaria, common preventive measures include the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying and antimalarial medications. For dengue and chikungunya, vector control through environmental management, elimination of mosquito breeding sites and community education are essential. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are vital in managing these diseases and reducing their impact. Diagnostic tools such as rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria and serological tests for dengue and chikungunya play a significant role in early detection and effective management.

The review points out that while there has been some focus on mitigation strategies, only a small percentage of studies have addressed adaptation methods. This lack of evidence hampers the development of timely and evidence-based interventions, which are crucial to anticipating and mitigating the worst consequences of climate change on human health. The review calls for more comprehensive, collaborative and standardized modeling to better understand and predict the effects of climate change on these diseases.