By SAAD UMER
When Pakistan’s devastating floods submerged one-third of the country in 2022, the immediate concerns were loss of life, damaged infrastructure, and displaced communities. Yet another crisis quietly emerged in the aftermath: a surge in disease outbreaks. Cases of malaria, dengue fever, and other infectious illnesses increased significantly in flood-affected areas, revealing a growing reality that Pakistan can no longer afford to ignore.
Climate change is not only an environmental challenge; it is rapidly becoming a public health emergency. For many people, climate change is associated with melting glaciers, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events.
While these threats are real, the impact of climate change on human and animal health receives far less attention. Changing climatic conditions are creating favourable environments for disease-causing organisms and the insects that spread them. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, Pakistan faces the risk of more frequent and widespread disease outbreaks.
Mosquitoes, ticks, and other disease vectors are highly sensitive to environmental conditions. Warmer temperatures and increased humidity can accelerate their breeding cycles and expand their geographical range. Areas that were once relatively safe from certain diseases may now become suitable habitats for disease-carrying insects. This means that diseases previously limited to specific regions could spread into new communities.
Pakistan has already witnessed repeated outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and malaria. Flooding and heavy rainfall often leave behind stagnant water, creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. At the same time, rising temperatures can lengthen transmission seasons, allowing disease vectors to remain active for longer periods. The combination of these factors increases the likelihood of outbreaks and places additional pressure on an already-burdened healthcare system.
Furthermore, climate change can influence water quality and sanitation. Extreme weather events frequently damage water and sewage infrastructure, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Floodwaters often contaminate drinking water sources, exposing communities to harmful pathogens. In rural areas where access to clean water is already limited, climate-related disruptions can have particularly severe consequences.
Climate change is no longer a problem for future generations. It is already affecting the health, livelihoods, and well-being of millions of Pakistanis. Recognising the link between climate and disease is the first step towards building a more resilient and healthier future. The question is not whether climate change will affect public health; it is whether we are prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.