Dr. A. Chitra,
Madras Medical College

Climate change and neglected tropical diseases: The role of air pollution in this emerging threat to global health

ABSTRACT

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) represent a group of infectious diseases disproportionately affecting impoverished populations in tropical and subtropical regions, with India carrying a significant burden. These diseases pose a public health challenge due to complex transmission dynamics and socioeconomic factors. Climate change is now recognized as an additional threat, directly and indirectly impacting the prevalence and distribution of NTDs. Air pollution is directly and indirectly linked to climate change and hence controlling air pollution is important to prevent the emerging threat of neglected tropical diseases.

Direct effects of climate change include altered transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever, leading to shifts in disease distribution and increased susceptibility of previously unaffected regions. Indirect effects include changes in the ecology of disease vectors and intermediate hosts, affecting NTD transmission patterns. 

To combat these challenges, India has adopted climate change adaptation strategies, including air pollution control activities, improved disease surveillance, enhanced healthcare infrastructure, and integrated vector management. Mitigation efforts include aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to promote sustainable practices, implementing climate change mitigation policies, and raising public awareness. Interdisciplinary collaboration between climate scientists, public health experts, and policymakers is essential to develop comprehensive solutions tailored to local contexts.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Professor in the Institute of Community Medicine, Madras Medical College, Chennai.
22 years of Government Service.
Has many international and national journal publications to her credit.
National and State Level Trainer for various public health programmes.
Former Member, Standing Academic Board, Dr. MGR Medical University.
Former Planning Expert, NRHM, SHS Tamilnadu.
Nodal Officer, Multi-Disciplinary Research Unit, Madras Medical College.