How is Bangladesh Growing More Susceptible to Infectious Disease Epidemics as a Result of Climate Change? A Systematic Review

Abstract

Bangladesh is facing unpredictable weather patterns, as well as a consistent rise in temperature and precipitation. Climate change has had a negative impact on physical and mental health, leading to an increase mostly in the prevalence and variation of infectious diseases, as well as psychological issues such as depression and anxiety disorders. Given the country's inherent sensitivity to climatic influences, the climate-health nexus is a relatively unexplored subject of research. The purpose of this article is to investigate the severity of climate change in Bangladesh and how it impacts the health of the public. Morbidity and mortality due to heat stress, cyclones, floods, droughts, and other weather extremes at various spatiotemporal scales have been observed as direct effects of climate change in Bangladesh. The indirect effects involve more complicated paths, such as affecting food and water security due to salinity intrusion and the development of infectious diseases because of shifts in vector and pathogen ecology. To mitigate the effects of climate change on various infectious diseases, healthcare and response systems must be strengthened. By implementing proactive adaptation methods, we may significantly and actively contribute to preventing and regulating the negative consequences of climate change on human health. There is little evidence to make sound health policy decisions in the context of climate change, and there is a lack of multidisciplinary research activities. Despite these constraints, gathering and reporting scientific information is essential for developing a resilient health system in climate-vulnerable countries like Bangladesh and other low-income regions.