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Climate change and dengue fever: Vulnerability and potential adaptation responses in urban

settings of Bangladesh

Dr Mohammad Zahirul Islam, PhD

icddr,b, March 24, 2016

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Introduction

Climate change is the biggest global health threat of the 21st century (The Lancet, 2009).

Health impacts of Climate Change (CC) are many but vector borne diseases (VBD), especially dengue fever is a particular concern in many parts of the world including Bangladesh.

Dengue fever is predicted to increase ( IPCC 4th assessment report).

This is particularly concerning as there is currently no effective treatment.

There is insufficient information on VBD profile, health impacts, and vulnerabilities to dengue fever.

Moreover, no comprehensive health adaptation strategy has yet been developed in Bangladesh.

This study aims to

Identify CC health vulnerabilities to dengue fever and

Potential adaptation responses in urban areas of Bangladesh

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Contextual Fields

Climate change health

impacts

Potential health

adaptation response

Bangladesh

Well being Waterborne diseases Airborne diseases Vector borne diseases Psychological stresses Malnutrition, And Increased losses of life

Dengue Malaria Kala-Azar Filariasis

Health vulnerabilities

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Research and Focus Questions

What are the climate change vulnerabilities to dengue fever (DF) and potential health adaptation responses in two contrasting urban

areas of Bangladesh?

What is the prevalence of dengue fever and how are they influenced by climate change in two urban areas of Bangladesh?

What sectors of the community

are most vulnerable to dengue fever

due to climate change in two urban areas of Bangladesh?

What are the current practices for adaptation in terms of health

in relation to dengue fever in

these two contrasting study

areas of Bangladesh?

What are the future adaptation

strategies necessary to deal

with the identified potential climate change impacts considering the

local resources and capacity?

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Methodology

Mixed ( both qualitative and quantitative) method was used Tools:

Questionnaire

Guideline for FGD and Stakeholder interview

Recorder

Research Location Inland, capital and the biggest

city, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Coastal, port city and 2nd biggest city Chittagong, Bangladesh

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Garments worker ( C,D) Rickshaw puller (C,D) Journalists- Printed media (C) Journalist- Electronic media (D) Teachers ( D) Students (C, D) House maid(D)

Director, DGHS-CDC Director, DMCH Director, MoE

Director-IEDCR Director, CCU Deputy Director, CMCH

Climate change focal

person-Health

Chief Health Officer- City

Council

Executive Director,

ActionAid

Public health Specialist Epidemiologist Environment lobbyist

IPCC member Entomologist University faculty

Executive Director, CDS Civil Surgeon, Medicine Specialist

DPM, VBD Medical officer DFO

Researcher AD, CCCU AD (Policy) DoE

Stakeholders: 24 Nos

FGD: 10

Data collection: Qualitative

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Rainfall 30 yrs Monthly Dhaka and

Chittagong

Temperature 30 yrs Monthly Dhaka and

Chittagong

Humidity 30 yrs Monthly Dhaka and

Chittagong

Dengue profile

Weather report

Dengue death Since 2000 Monthly Dhaka and

Chittagong

Dengue cases Since 2000 Monthly Dhaka and

Chittagong

Data collection: Quantitative

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Findings: Quantitative

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Incidence of dengue cases

Mean (SD) P value

Dhaka Chittagong

Dengue Incidence 31.62 (28.7) 5.76 (11.7) <0.0001

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Monthly distribution of dengue cases

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Correlation between dengue cases and climatic variables

Climatic Variables Dhaka r (P)

Chittagong r (P)

Monthly mean temperature

0.300 (0.001) 0.137 (<0.135)

Monthly total rainfall 0.356 (<0.0001) 0.307 (0.001)

Monthly mean humidity 0.574 (<0.0001) 0.409 (<0.0001)

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Findings: Qualitative

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Climate change and impacts

Climate Change

Meaning for CC

Other Impacts

Health Impacts

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Meaning of CC

More rain

Dryness

Lack of Winter

Erotic behavior

Green house gas

Global warming

Rapid urbanization

Industrialization

Changes in temp, rainfall & other changes like cyclone, tornado

Extreme heat, extreme rainfall, extreme cold

Changes in pattern of seasons

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CC and Health Impacts

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CC and other impacts

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Way to go …..

Plan:

Comprehensive sustainable climate change adaptation plan

Urbanization………need more coordinated plan

Knowledge/awareness:

Increase awareness of dengue fever…spreads, prevention

Consciousness among the parties is very much important

Management:

Quality and timely management of adaptation program and project

Funding:

More funding….ADB funding, CCTF, WB, Different ministries

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Contd…

Human Resources:

Expert human resources

More PhD, Masters , climate change trained people

Train young boys, school boys, pool of volunteer

Multi sectoral involvement/coordination:

Multi sectoral involvement

Coordinated mobilizing role by health ministry

Only involvement of city corporation is not enough

Strong local government

Newer technology:

Hold up the water/rain water harvesting

Flood resisting crops/drought resisting crops/salt resisting crops

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Contd…

Collaboration:

Mutual support and understanding among the countries

Government and NGO should work in a close collaboration

Priority area:

Should give focus on coastal area, flood affected area

Strengthen institutional, social and individual capacities and responsibilities

Facilities creation:

Equipped hospital with necessary instruments

Physical structure:

More investment on infrastructure

Increase drainage system

Good waste management

Eco friendly home

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Acknowledgement

Griffith University

Icddr,b

DGHS

All FGD and SH participants

Supervisors

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Thank you