Climate Change Impacts on Health in the Arab Region: A Case Study on Neglected Tropical Diseases

This study examines the impact of climate change on two important Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the region. The Water-Associated Disease Index (WADI) approach, developed to assess multi-dimensional vulnerability to health hazards in the face of global change, is extended to the case of leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis. This study particularly focuses on exposure dimensions to understand how climate change will impact conditions required for the transmission of leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis. Bias-corrected Regional Climate Modelling (RCM) projections developed for the Middle East North Africa (MENA) domain as part of the Regional Initiative for the Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources and Socio-Economic Vulnerability in the Arab Region (RICCAR) were used, and were integrated with other indicators of exposure. An assessment of historical exposure conditions for both diseases was then produced and compared to those for mid- and end- of century using RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 emission scenarios.

Issuance Date

Find out more