Bacterial and Viral Infection

Among other impacts, climate change is raising temperatures and altering patterns of rainfall, which in turn is affecting how mosquito populations transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue and chikungunya.

Rising temperatures in particular directly affect the ability of mosquitoes to carry and transmit pathogens, as well as impacting vegetation and therefore indirectly altering their ecology and food sources. This poses a significant threat to public health and economies globally, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where malaria is already a major health concern. The recent invasion of the Asian mosquito Anopheles stephensi in Africa has only exacerbated the situation. Furthermore, the lack of understanding about Aedes mosquitoes, which spread viral diseases, adds to the risk of future outbreaks occurring.

To address these challenges, Dr Shehu Shagari Awandu from the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science & Techology and Dr Emilie Pondeville from the University of Glasgow aim to study the distribution, ecology, and disease transmission capabilities of both Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes under changing environmental conditions.

The project also hopes to raise awareness among school children of climate change and mosquito-borne viruses, through educational videos. Ultimately, the team are working to improve understanding of vector-borne diseases in Kenya and to shape better public health strategies.