Impact of climate change on the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases in Pakistan

Abstract

Climate change is a hard reality that has already started affecting air quality, food production, water supply, coastal settlements, and human health. There is increasing evidence about the effect of climate change on vector-borne diseases (VBDs). In this article, we have collected data from published articles, journals, reports, and books on VBDs in Pakistan and review the changing epidemiology of the most important VBDs i.e. Malaria, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Leishmaniasis, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), West Nile fever and Japanese encephalitis in Pakistan. We have summarized the district-wise VBDs outbreaks and developed maps. There is no proper surveillance of vectors and diseases available in Pakistan. Early warning system for preventing outbreaks are direly needed. No study has done not the effect of climate change on disease vectors in Pakistan. Long-term observational studies are needed to monitor climate-change effects on vector-borne diseases in Pakistan. A multidisciplinary effort is needed to handle the situation before the vector-borne diseases become an epidemic in non-endemic areas. It is essential to address issues related to the establishment of the vector surveillance system, integrated vector management (IVM), and climate change with the utmost priority for the prevention and control of VBDs in Pakistan.