Paz Shlomit, Majeed Azeem, Christophides George K
Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave., Mount Carmel, 3498838 Haifa, Israel.
Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
Clim Change. 2021;169(3-4):40. doi: 10.1007/s10584-021-03300-z. Epub 2021 Dec 30.
The Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME) region has rapid population growth, large differences in socio-economic levels between developed and developing countries, migration, increased water demand, and ecosystems degradation. The region is experiencing a significant warming trend with longer and warmer summers, increased frequency and severity of heat waves, and a drier climate. While climate change plays an important role in contributing to political instability in the region through displacement of people, food insecurity, and increased violence, it also increases the risks of vector-, water-, and food-borne diseases. Poorer and less educated people, young children and the elderly, migrants, and those with long-term health problems are at highest risk. A result of the inequalities among EMME countries is an inconsistency in the availability of reliable evidence about the impacts on infectious diseases. To help address this gap, a search of the literature was conducted as a basis for related recommended responses and suggested actions for preparedness and prevention. Since climate change already impacts the health of vulnerable populations in the EMME and will have a greater impact in future years, risk assessment and timely design and implementation of health preparedness and adaptation strategies are essential. Joint national and cross-border infectious diseases management systems for more effective preparedness and prevention are needed, supported by interventions that improve the environment. Without such cooperation and effective interventions, climate change will lead to an increasing morbidity and mortality in the EMME from infectious diseases, with a higher risk for the most vulnerable populations.
东地中海和中东（EMME）地区人口增长迅速，发达国家与发展中国家之间社会经济水平差异巨大，存在移民现象，用水需求增加，生态系统退化。该地区正经历显著的变暖趋势，夏季更长且更炎热，热浪的频率和强度增加，气候更加干燥。虽然气候变化通过人口流离失所、粮食不安全和暴力增加等因素，在导致该地区政治不稳定方面发挥着重要作用，但它也增加了媒介传播、水传播和食源性疾病的风险。较贫困、受教育程度较低的人群、幼儿、老年人、移民以及患有长期健康问题的人面临的风险最高。EMME国家之间不平等的一个结果是，关于对传染病影响的可靠证据的可得性不一致。为了帮助填补这一空白，我们对文献进行了检索，以此作为相关建议应对措施以及备灾和预防建议行动的基础。由于气候变化已经影响到EMME地区弱势群体的健康，并且在未来几年将产生更大影响，因此风险评估以及及时设计和实施卫生备灾和适应战略至关重要。需要建立国家和跨境联合传染病管理系统，以更有效地进行备灾和预防，并辅之以改善环境的干预措施。如果没有这种合作和有效的干预措施，气候变化将导致EMME地区因传染病导致的发病率和死亡率不断上升，最弱势群体面临的风险更高。
