Using data systems and economics to address climate-sensitive infectious diseases in Africa
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Published on
19.06.25
- Challenges
Climate change is reshaping the landscape of infectious diseases, particularly those sensitive to climatic conditions.
These diseases, with the potential to spark pandemics, pose significant threats to vulnerable populations in Africa.
Social factors, such as gender inequalities, further amplify these risks.
A new bibliographic review published in PLOS Global Public Health (June 2025) has examined the role of data systems and economics in setting priorities to prepare for pandemics of climate-sensitive infectious diseases in Africa.
Bernard Bett, a senior scientist at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), is a co-author of the study.
Other authors are affiliated to the African Social and Gender Insights Group, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Medical Research Council Unit the Gambia, and the University of Nigeria.
The study found a high variability in data standards and research priorities and limited integration across sectors.
The economic analysis examined 18 studies on COVID-19 and Ebola; the analysis revealed an absence of gendered perspectives.
The paper highlights several opportunities for African countries to strengthen pandemic preparedness, such as the establishment of clear data standards and research priorities and integrating gender perspectives into economic analyses.
By leveraging robust data systems and comprehensive economic analyses, Africa can achieve more equitable health outcomes and better prepare for future climate-sensitive infectious diseases threats.
Citation
Delight, E.A., Brunn, A.A., Ruiz, F., Gerard, J., Falconer, J., Liu, Y., Bah, B., Bett, B., Uzochukwu, B., Oloko, O.K., Njuguna, E. and Murray, K.A. 2025. Gaps and opportunities for data systems and economics to support priority setting for climate-sensitive infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: A rapid scoping review. PLOS Global Public Health 5(6): e0003814.
Photo: Farm in Tigray, Maichew, Ethiopia (credit: ILRI/Apollo Habtamu)