Foreword for programme Freiburger Infektiologie- und Hygienekongress organized by BZH

The climate crisis is a health crisis. Climate change and rising temperatures are leading to an increased risk of zoonoses and are impacting the transmission of food-, water- and vector-borne diseases like chikungunya, cholera, dengue, malaria and Vibrio vulnificus. This is compounded by the impacts of human movement, urbanization, environmental degradation, adaptation of arthropod vectors, and uncontrolled expansion of vector populations. 

That said, the role of climate and other factors in disease transmission is complex, and there is still much to be learned. Research is ongoing - including with WHO and partners - to better understand and quantify the impact of these determinants. For example, mosquitoes require a specific range of temperature and other environmental conditions to reproduce, to survive, and to transmit arboviruses. Heat and changes in precipitation can also influence human behaviour and the likelihood of being bitten by mosquitoes and other insects. 

Mitigating and controlling the impact of climate change on communicable diseases requires water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions and infection prevention and control measures. We also need to invest in health and care workers to meet the increasing demands on health systems caused by climate change. If we fail to integrate climate risk into health systems and key health programmes, we risk a devastating ripple effect of disease, death and poverty. WHO has elevated climate change as a priority in our new four-year strategy and is supporting countries in making these critical investments. 

Thank you all for your commitment to this issue, and to protecting and promoting the health of both people and planet. 

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