Impact of Climate Change on Vector-Borne Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The aim of the research is to examine how climate change is facilitating the rising expansion of vector-borne diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa. By exploring the interconnection between environmental change, namely temperature rise and altered precipitation patterns, and disease transmission, the study offers adaptation guidance in public health systems. The research fills a fundamental gap in integrated climatehealth policy formation in the region. It emphasizes the necessity of understanding the climate-related health vulnerabilities of the already vulnerable populations. The study used a systematic review and meta-analysis of 45 peer-reviewed publications from the years 2015 to 2024 was conducted, according to data from PubMed and Scopus. The review was conducted according to climatic variables and their relationship with the occurrence of diseases like malaria and dengue. Inclusion criteria ensured regional applicability, seeking empirical studies correlating environmental data and disease trends. Meta-analytic software (Comprehensive Meta-Analysis or CMA software), random-effects models, and I² statistics measured effect size variability and heterogeneity. The study revealed a 15% increase in malaria transmission in areas with long rainy seasons, and a 20% rise in dengue cases with a concurrent 1.5°C increase in temperature. Vector habitats have also been displaced northward by up to 200 km. These shifts are being felt most in semi-arid areas that previously had low disease incidence. Climate-sensitive vector expansion is growing beyond the capacity of existing health infrastructure and enhancing population exposure risks. These findings provide strong evidence supporting the inclusion of geospatial climate models within public health surveillance systems.