By Samuel Kariuki, Eastern Africa Director, DNDi
As a scientist working in a country affected by over 15 neglected diseases, I have witnessed with deep concern the changing disease patterns caused by climate change.
There is mounting evidence that climate change is worsening the geographical spread and incidence of infectious diseases. Scientists have found that vectors such as mosquitoes and sandflies are thriving more due to warmer temperatures, increased rainfall, and flooding. These insects transmit diseases like leishmaniasis, and dengue, which are classified as neglected diseases because they receive little attention from the global health agenda.
