Health care concerns related to global climate change
Increased exposure to vectors that transmit Zika, West Nile virus, or malaria

Scientific research has proven that climate change affects the health of mankind. The impact on health varies in line with the immunity of the humans in question and the local environmental conditions (Paz, 2015). One significant effect of climate change is the spread of vector-borne diseases such as West Nile virus (WNV), dengue and malaria. Through change of climate, the rate of infection, distribution and seasonality of these diseases have greatly changed. This is because vector-borne diseases tend to continually adjust to changes in the environment (Gleick, 2014). Climate influences the distribution of these vector-borne diseases as well as their epidemiology. For instance, weather elements such as humidity, precipitation and temperature affect the survival rates of the vectors, their reproduction rates, their habitat adaptability, abundance and distribution. Climate change also affects the intensity of the vector’s activity as the year progresses, which in turn influences the development rate, reproduction rate and the ability of pathogens to survive within the vectors.

West Nile virus belongs to genus Flavivirus and the family Flaviviridae, which comprises more than 70 other viruses. In serological context, WNV belongs to the Japanese encephalitis serocomplex (Gleick, 2014). The virus can again be categorized into five phylogenetic lineages, but disease outbreak in humans is attributed to only lineages 1 and 2. The virus is continuously transmitted to some susceptible bird species as mosquitoes suck blood from the birds. The particular mosquitoes which transmit this virus are species from the genus Culex and family Culicidae. This transmission cycle is present in both the urban and rural ecosystems. Other than birds, the virus is known to infect horses, humans, and other mammals. The distribution of the West Nile virus depends on the availability of susceptible bird reservoir, competent mosquito vectors, the hosts and mosquito host preference.

Food distribution problems due to drought or lack of water

One of the biggest threats from climate change is drought. Take the example of Syria, where drought forced thousands of refugees to migrate to Europe during the summer. The delay of relief from donors and poor planning led to the death of thousands of people in the Horn of Africa between the years 2011 and 2012 (Gleick, 2014). A UN body was subsequently established to provide early warning for similar droughts, but the associated disasters...…the main reason for undernourishment, since food insecurity was a problem even before the hike of prices. For instance, in the year 2000, food prices were generally low across the globe, but the number of hungry people was still high.

Health promotion/health protection strategies a nurse could implement

Mediation

A nurse is in a better position to fast track the reconciliation of the different interests of individuals and communities in a manner that promotes health. Conflicts normally arise as people strive to change their lifestyle. Distribution of resources especially becomes a bone of contention. Health practitioners come in handy in reconciling such conflicts, by applying skills in advocacy for health.

Enabling

A nurse can also partner with both individuals and groups with the aim of empowering them, by mobilizing material and human resources to boost their health.

Advocacy for health

This can be defined as a combination of social and individual actions meant to solicit for support from different players for particular goals related to health. This is among the top strategies for health promotion. It can be done through mass media, direct political lobbying or community mobilization. Coalitions can also be formed. All this is the responsibility of health professionals.

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