Climate and health: insights from healthcare providers on vector-borne diseases

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of healthcare providers in Dhaka, Bangladesh, about climate change-induced vector-borne diseases (VBDs) and evaluate their preparedness, training gaps, challenges, and adaptation strategies. Methodology: A qualitative study, including in-depth interviews with healthcare providers, explored their experiences and perspectives on climate change and VBDs. The study took place in urban and peri-urban health facilities, including Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital and Keraniganj Upazila Health Center, Dhaka. The study involved Eighteen healthcare providers, comprising six doctors, ten nurses, and two ward boys actively engaged in managing and controlling VBDs. Findings: Healthcare providers had different levels of understanding about how climate change affects health, shaped by the nature of their work. Doctors emphasized biological factors such as viral mutations, while nurses focused on environmental conditions and public awareness. Key challenges included limited training on climate-sensitive health threats, resource constraints, and gaps in systemic preparedness. Despite these limitations, healthcare providers demonstrated resilience through practical disease management strategies and personal preventive measures. Conclusion: The study highlights the critical need for targeted training, resource allocations, and policy-driven capacity-building initiatives to address climate-sensitive health threats in public healthcare facilities. Insights from this research provide a foundation for developing climate-adaptive health systems in Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of systemic preparedness and public health awareness in managing the impacts of climate-induced VBDs.