Overview

Weather and climate conditions significantly impact the incidence and geographical distribution of several diseases. Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts alter disease transmission ecologies and population vulnerability, thereby influencing risk for climate-sensitive disease. For example, increased temperature and rainfall induced by climate change and extreme weather events (such as storms or cyclones) are projected to increase the risk of malaria due to a greater geographical range for the Anopheles mosquito vector, a longer season, and enhanced vector breeding and disease transmission rates. Risk monitoring and mitigation strategies are therefore importance to preserve the health of populations.

Developing integrated surveillance can greatly enhance the capacity of health systems to prepare and adapt to climate-sensitive diseases. Integrated surveillance involves the integration of multiple surveillance systems (e.g. disease surveillance and weather surveillance) to improve the use of information for detecting, investigating and responding to public health threats. This integration of data, therefore, improves the flow of surveillance information throughout the health system.

Importantly, climate-informed surveillance can enhance the preparedness of health systems via early warning systems. Early warning systems aim to anticipate risks and trigger early warning responses to avoid or reduce impact and prepare for effective response. In the context of a rapidly changing environment and risk landscape, early warning systems are a valuable tool for building the adaptive capacity and climate-resilience of health systems.

WHO is currently implementing projects in Africa and Asia to support countries in enhancing their integrated surveillance and early warning systems in improve health system preparedness and response mechanisms.