The Impact of Climate Change on Children Health

Abstract

Introduction: Climate change is now recognized as one of the factors that affect health, particularly that of children. It has also impacted respiratory diseases, vector-borne diseases, food and water security, mental health and has become a concern. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of climate change on children's health in relation to respiratory diseases, vector borne diseases, food and water security and mental health. Method: The study employed both quantitative and qualitative data obtained from the national health surveys and hospital records and qualitative assessment. Indicators of respiratory diseases, vector borne diseases, food security and mental health were taken into account. Descriptive statistics and cross sectional research findings were used to establish the correlation between climate parameters and health status. Results: The study also confirmed that climate change had a very high correlation with negative health impact on children. Asthma incidence and hospitalization were also found to be positively associated with ozone levels. It was also found that with increase in temperature, the incidence of vector borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever also increased. Extreme weather conditions affected food insecurity, water quality and malnutrition as they worsened. In addition, the climate-related stressors were found to be related to PTSD and anxiety in children. Conclusion: The study focuses on the need for the integrated approach to the public health interventions that would address the effects of climate change on the health of the population. All these effects should be countered by the right policy and intervention measures in order to protect the health of children. More research needs to be done to refine these strategies and make them less sensitive to climate change.