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Impacts of climate change-related human migration on infectious diseases

Author

Listed:
  • Joseph L.-H. Tsui

    (University of Oxford)

  • Rosario Evans Pena

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford)

  • Monika Moir

    (Stellenbosch University)

  • Rhys P. D. Inward

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford)

  • Eduan Wilkinson

    (Stellenbosch University)

  • James Emmanuel San

    (Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal
    Duke University)

  • Jenicca Poongavanan

    (Stellenbosch University)

  • Sumali Bajaj

    (University of Oxford)

  • Bernardo Gutierrez

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford
    Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ)

  • Abhishek Dasgupta

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford)

  • Tulio Oliveira

    (Stellenbosch University
    Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal)

  • Moritz U. G. Kraemer

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford)

  • Houriiyah Tegally

    (Stellenbosch University)

  • Prathyush Sambaturu

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford)

Abstract

Health consequences arising from climate change are threatening to offset advances made to reduce the damage of infectious diseases, which vary by region and the resilience of the local health system. Here we discuss how climate change-related migrations and infectious disease burden are linked through various processes, such as the expansion of pathogens into non-endemic areas, overcrowding in new informal settlements, and the increased proximity of disease vectors and susceptible human populations. Countries that are predicted to have the highest burden are those that have made the least contribution to climate change. Further studies are needed to generate robust evidence on the potential consequences of climate change-related human movements and migration, as well as identify effective and bespoke short- and long-term interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Joseph L.-H. Tsui & Rosario Evans Pena & Monika Moir & Rhys P. D. Inward & Eduan Wilkinson & James Emmanuel San & Jenicca Poongavanan & Sumali Bajaj & Bernardo Gutierrez & Abhishek Dasgupta & Tulio Ol, 2024. "Impacts of climate change-related human migration on infectious diseases," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 14(8), pages 793-802, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcli:v:14:y:2024:i:8:d:10.1038_s41558-024-02078-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41558-024-02078-z
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