A novel transdisciplinary methodology and experience to guide climate change health adaptation plans and measures

Abstract

Abstract. Climate change and socio-economic and environmental determinants of health (SDH) are the first acknowledged root-causes of infectious diseases. Controlling for SDH would reduce disease burden and promote adaptation. How can we determine which non-health sectors contribute the most and how to health vulnerability? No interdisciplinary and participative methodologies have yet been devised to address, from a complex systems perspective, the degree of responsibility nonhealth sectors and climate change have in disease occurrence, as a basis for adaptation. This study aims to identify climate change adaptation options for Dengue fever based on Eco-health and watershed approaches to influence public policies in the Bolivian Chaco Ecosystem. We carried out a transdisciplinary “Methodology for climate change Health Vulnerability Assessment considering Eco-health and Watershed Approaches” (MHVA), in selected areas of Pilcomayo watershed. Results established the level and type of current and future Dengue vulnerability, and the degree of responsibility of health and non-health sectors. Then, adaptation options were participatory prioritised, designing a Climate Change Health Strategic Adaptation Plan, which implementation has already begun. The use of MHVA and current adaptation experience would help in identifying the most vulnerable locations and target adaptation actions.