Climate change and institutional determinants of malaria and schistosomiasis In Gwanda District, Zimbabwe

TY - ABST

T1 - Climate change and institutional determinants of malaria and schistosomiasis In Gwanda District, Zimbabwe

AU - Furu, Peter

AU - Chimbari, Moses

AU - Makuratirwa, Samson

AU - Mbereko, Alexio

PY - 2016/12/6

Y1 - 2016/12/6

N2 - The spatial and temporal distribution of malaria and schistosomiasis are determined by a series of environmental, biological and social factors including institutional determinants of health. A gap in knowledge exists for some specific institutional determinants and their direct or indirect influence on the epidemiology of malaria and schistosomiasis in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe. Knowledge of these factors is crucial as they may be important confounders in the interpretation of the possible effects of climate change and variability on the two diseases. A detailed inventory and mapping of institutional factors was done with a view to analyse their role in past and present transmission patterns and manifestations in vulnerable population groups. Methods included stakeholder analyses, policy framework analyses, systems analyses and key-informant interviews targeting the sectors of health, environment, agriculture and education. Important sectoral and cross-sectoral policy frameworks, responsibilities and health interventions that may mask the direct effects on disease transmission of climate change and variability and thereby hamper our full understanding of the specific effects of climate change on human health were identified and analysed. Systems, structures and guidelines are in place, however there are operational issues that may influence our understanding of climate change and human health interlinkages.

AB - The spatial and temporal distribution of malaria and schistosomiasis are determined by a series of environmental, biological and social factors including institutional determinants of health. A gap in knowledge exists for some specific institutional determinants and their direct or indirect influence on the epidemiology of malaria and schistosomiasis in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe. Knowledge of these factors is crucial as they may be important confounders in the interpretation of the possible effects of climate change and variability on the two diseases. A detailed inventory and mapping of institutional factors was done with a view to analyse their role in past and present transmission patterns and manifestations in vulnerable population groups. Methods included stakeholder analyses, policy framework analyses, systems analyses and key-informant interviews targeting the sectors of health, environment, agriculture and education. Important sectoral and cross-sectoral policy frameworks, responsibilities and health interventions that may mask the direct effects on disease transmission of climate change and variability and thereby hamper our full understanding of the specific effects of climate change on human health were identified and analysed. Systems, structures and guidelines are in place, however there are operational issues that may influence our understanding of climate change and human health interlinkages.

M3 - Conference abstract for conference

ER -