A study conducted by Farhana Haque and colleagues from University College London, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and icddr,b predicts an increase in hospitalizations from diarrheal diseases in the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh by 2100 as a result of climate change. Despite efforts to limit global warming to under 2 degrees Celsius as outlined in the Paris Agreement, the researchers found that a warmer climate will worsen the public health issue by increasing temperatures and exacerbating water quality problems. This is particularly concerning in Dhaka, one of the world’s most densely populated cities with a high burden of diarrheal diseases.
The researchers analyzed data from approximately 3 million cases of diarrhea treated at a major hospital in Dhaka from 1981 to 2010 to assess the impact of daily rainfall, humidity, and temperature on rates of hospitalizations due to diarrheal diseases. The statistical analysis revealed that higher daily temperatures were associated with a significant increase in the risk of diarrhea across all age groups. Even if global warming is limited to 1.5°C to 2°C, hospitalizations from diarrheal diseases are expected to increase by 4.5% to 7.4% in all age groups by the end of the century, with children under five projected to be disproportionately affected with an estimated increase of 5.7% to 9.4%.
The findings of this study highlight the urgent need for better preparation in Dhaka to prevent and manage diarrheal diseases in the face of climate change. Despite efforts to mitigate global warming, the projected increase in hospitalizations from diarrhea underscores the importance of implementing effective strategies to address this public health issue. As one of the world’s most densely populated cities with a high burden of diarrheal diseases, Dhaka must prioritize measures to improve water quality and sanitation, as well as enhance healthcare services to handle the anticipated rise in cases of diarrhea.
The authors of the study emphasize the importance of preparing Dhaka to effectively manage and prevent diarrheal diseases in light of the projected increase in hospitalizations. They stress that even if global warming targets set out in the Paris Agreement are met, substantial increases in hospitalizations from diarrhea are expected by the end of the century. This necessitates a comprehensive approach that includes improving water quality, sanitation, and healthcare services to minimize the impact of climate change on the prevalence of diarrheal diseases in Dhaka.
In conclusion, the study conducted by Farhana Haque and colleagues highlights the potential impact of climate change on hospitalizations from diarrheal diseases in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Despite efforts to limit global warming, the city is projected to experience a significant increase in cases of diarrhea by the end of the century, particularly among children under five. This underscores the importance of preparing Dhaka to effectively manage and prevent diarrheal diseases through improved water quality, sanitation, and healthcare services. As one of the world’s most densely populated cities with a high burden of diarrheal diseases, Dhaka must prioritize strategies to address this public health issue in the face of climate change.
