Future

ABSTRACT: Research Project The goal of the Research Project is to establish a global research infrastructure and conduct case studies to protect health and improve health equity by improving the use of climate-related Early Warning Systems to take Anticipatory Action before disasters strike. This collaboration of 7 universities from around the world supports the long-term goal of the Center for Climate and Health glObal Research on Disasters (CORD) to develop action-oriented strategies to protect health and build resilience in climate-related disasters. The objective is to conduct cutting-edge research in 6 case studies in under-served communities in the Global South that are at high risk for health impacts from climate-related disasters. Community-engaged research practices will engage affected communities, practitioners, and policymakers in the research process and work with them to improve health equity based on these research findings. This global, trans-disciplinary, virtual consortium of 7 universities from around the world will provide a unique and valuable source of data and perspectives that will inform policy, practice, and science relevant to under-served populations. The central hypothesis is that anticipatory action can improve health outcomes if it is tailored for equity and community- based action and supported by health governance. Aim RES1 is to determine how health impacts from climate-related disasters are different for women vs men and for refugees vs host populations and how they understand early warning information differently. Case studies will measure: 1) how maternal and fetal health is differentially affected by floods in Bangladesh; and 2) how refugee health is differentially affected by floods or droughts in Uganda. A general methodology will be developed to identify unique vulnerabilities of under-studied populations. Aim RES2 is to evaluate Anticipatory Actions to reduce the impacts of climate-related droughts on food insecurity and well-being. Case studies will determine the prevalence of community-level adaptation actions to improve food security/nutrition and psychosocial outcomes during: 1) droughts in Namibia; and 2) crop failures in Lesotho. A trans-disciplinary methodology will be developed to use climate data and community-engaged research to document existing community adaptation efforts. Aim RES3 is to assess the how health governance systems enable or discourage Anticipatory Actions. Case studies will measure how such systems influenced Anticipatory Actions to mitigate: 1) cholera outbreaks after Cyclone Freddy in Mozambique; and 2) a 2022 dengue outbreak in the Philippines. A general methodology will be developed to evaluate the impacts of health governance on Anticipatory Action for health impacts of climate-related disasters. Successful completion of these projects will provide critical evidence to practitioners and policymakers to tailor Anticipatory Actions to specific populations at risk for climate-related health effects.