South-East Asia Regional Conference on Epidemiology

The way forward
<strong>South</strong>-<strong>East</strong> <strong>Asia</strong> <strong>Regional</strong> <strong>Conference</strong> on Epidemiology | 51
Epidemiological research and practice can strengthen and inform efforts in the struggle against climate
change. The ascertainment of baseline relations between climatic conditions and health outcomes (12)
can crucially support efforts towards strengthening health systems and improving preparedness and
response capacities. There is a need for appropriate methods to conceptualize the full chain of events
leading to potential health effects.
Most areas still need to build a solid base of retrospective studies assessing the relationship between
past climate variability and selected infectious, diarrhoeal and vector-borne diseases. Retrospective
evidence can provide the basis for conducting prospective studies that may give better control over
data collection and confounders, thus enhancing ability to assess the differential effect of changes in
climate over time. It is also necessary to increase the number of studies to establish appropriate risk
thresholds for recurring events such as floods and heatwaves and to develop early warning systems.
The identification of risk factors for climate-sensitive diseases is another key input to be derived
from epidemiological research and practice so that vulnerable groups are identified and interventions
targeted. These interventions can be monitored and evaluated through result-based measurement of
achieved reductions in incidence and/or mortality.
Strategies and plans for adaptation to climate change should systematically draw on epidemiological
data to strengthen evidence base and overall validity. The supporting role of epidemiology in policy and
decision-making regarding climate change must also extend to greenhouse gas emissions’ mitigation.
Health-risk and health-impact assessments must be included in the evaluation of the effects and
benefits of carbon-cutting interventions.
In summary, the role of epidemiological research is critical for a better understanding of the health
impacts of climate change. Such knowledge must be applied to strengthen health systems and to
trigger adaptation measures. It can also provide an evidence base of health benefits to support policies
that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
References
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(2) Global health statistics. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2008.
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(4) Kathmandu Declaration on protecting health facilities from disasters. 27th Meeting of Ministers of
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April 2010].
(5) <strong>Asia</strong>n Development Bank. The economics of climate change in <strong>South</strong>-<strong>East</strong> <strong>Asia</strong>: a regional review.
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