An assessment of the impacts of climate change on public health. A case study of Chadereka Ward 1 of Muzarabani District, Zimbabwe · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Chatora, Louise

Title

An assessment of the impacts of climate change on public health. A case study of Chadereka Ward 1 of Muzarabani District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study intended to determine the impacts of climate change on public health in Muzarabani District ward 1.Climate change poses a significant threat to public health , exacerbating existing health conditions and increasing the sisk of heat related illnesses, vector borne diseases and other health issues. The objectives of the study were to investigate the factors affecting public health as a result of climate change, to determine the impacts of climate change on public health in Muzarabani, to evaluate the effectiveness of existing public health interventions in reducing climate change related risks knowledge, and to develop a sustainable model of copying strategies that can be put in place to address the impacts of climate change on public health. The research employed a case study research design and random sampling as its sampling technique. Through the use of household questionnaires, key informants’ interviews and focus group discussions as research instruments the study managed to gather reliable set of primary data which was presented and analyzed to draw conclusions on how climate change affect public health in Chadereka. The research findings show that the factors informants’ affecting public health include draught, floods, strong winds, storms, diseases and Pest. Climate change has caused malnutrition, malaria and heat strokes affecting public health. There are measures to reduce the risks posed by climate change such as vaccination, awareness, water sanitation and hygiene. However, there are sustainable ways that can be employed to reduce the impacts of climate change such as strengthening health infrastructure, promoting resilient agriculture and enhancing disaster preparedness and response. The research finally recommended various development institutions to take a holistic pragmatic stance towards reducing the impacts of climate change on public health.

Date

JUNE 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Key words: Climate change, public health and development

Supervisor

Mr Samukange