Impact of Climate Change in Incidence of Diseases

Impact of Climate Change in Incidence of Diseases

No increase in incidence of contagious diseases due to unprecedented changes in environment and climate has been documented by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi. There is increasing concern, globally as well as in India, over the effects of climate change on human Health. As per World Health Organization (WHO), climate change affects the social and environmental determinants of health. Climate change can lead to extreme weather events such as storms, floods, cyclones etc. which could enhance the spread of diseases like vector borne diseases, food and water borne diseases, heat stroke etc.

The Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change has included a new Mission on Climate Change and Health. A National Expert Group on Climate Change and Health has been subsequently constituted by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to address the issues related to adverse effect of Climate Change on human Health through appropriate mitigation and adaptation measures.

Morbidity due to life-style related non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, cancer, diabetes etc., is increasing in the country. Central Government supplements the activities and efforts of the states towards creation of awareness, health education and health promotion in order to reduce the incidence, morbidity and mortality of all diseases including lifestyle diseases.

A National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) is under implementation since July, 2010. The programme focuses on prevention through awareness generation, behavior and life-style changes, early diagnosis and treatment of persons with high levels of risk factors and their referral to higher facilities for appropriate management. From the year 2013-14, support to State Governments under the programme is through National Health Mission. Funding is provided for human resources, infrastructure, early screening, and treatment as well as for Information, Education & Communication (IEC) activities.

In addition, Government of India has approved a scheme for enhancing tertiary care cancer facilities in the country. Under this scheme (tertiary component of NPCDCS), Government of India has initiated the process of assisting 20 State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and 50 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCC) in different parts of the country.

Several awareness initiatives have been undertaken including observance of World Diabetes Day, organizing of screening and major awareness events at occasions such as the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2014, Delhi.