Community-based adaptation strategies to the impact of climate change in vector-borne diseases

نویسندگان

1 Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

doi
10.22034/gjesm.2026.03.15
چکیده

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Climate change is driving the emergence and geographic expansion of vector-borne diseases globally, creating urgent public health challenges. This study explores the interplay between climatic elements—including elevated temperatures, changed precipitation patterns, and growing greenhouse gas emissions—and socioeconomic factors and institutional capabilities to influence community vulnerability. The study synthesizes secondary evidence to identify and evaluate adaptation strategies and develop an integrated thematic framework linking climatic, ecological, socioeconomic, and institutional dimensions of vulnerability and response.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A thematic synthesis of secondary data was conducted using peer-reviewed journals, government reports, and publications from international organizations.   Sources published in English from 2020 to 2025 were intentionally identified using structured yet non-systematic keyword searches that corresponded with the study''s objectives. Thematic analysis was employed to integrate findings into analytically derived themes that correspond with the research objectives. An iterative coding process incorporating both deductive (objective-driven) and inductive (emerging) approaches was used to capture patterns across studies. Data collection from different source types enabled triangulation to strengthen interpretive validity.FINDINGS: Four significant themes were identified: first, climatic and ecological drivers: increasing temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are associated with broader vector ranges and longer transmission seasons. Second, socioeconomic and environmental determinants: poverty, inadequate housing, limited access to water, and political marginalization increase vulnerability to vector-borne diseases.  Third, institutional and policy gaps: fragmented surveillance, weak cross-sectoral coordination, and limited community participation restrict effective responses. Fourth, community-based adaptation strategies: community-led environmental management, surveillance, and health education can help reduce vector abundance and disease incidence, especially when backed by institutional integration, ongoing resources, and capacity building. Effectiveness varies across ecological and socioeconomic contexts. CONCLUSION: Addressing climate-driven vector-borne disease risks requires integrated approaches combining early warning systems, community-centered interventions, strengthened health system capacity, and cross-sectoral governance. The suggested thematic framework emphasizes the interdependence of climatic, ecological, and socioeconomic influences alongside the ability of institutions to respond. Sustained domestic funding, formal institutionalization of community roles, and equity-focused resource allocation are essential for scaling interventions to large populations. The study provides targeted, evidence-informed recommendations for policymakers, health system managers, community organizations, and international agencies, while identifying key gaps in evidence regarding scalability, long-term sustainability, and context-specific effectiveness. The results are founded on the synthesis of secondary data and should be interpreted regarding contextual variability.