CAMMISA: Climate-focused Analytics and Modelling for Mosquito-borne Infections in Southern Africa

The widespread manifestation of climate change with trends in seasonality and extreme climate events have important implications for Mosquito-Borne Diseases (MBD). The transmission of MBDs is determined by several factors, including epidemiological, social, and demographic factors, as well as environmental and climate, which vary seasonally and are trending with climate change. This has important implications for the efforts to prevent, control and eliminate MBDs, and sustain elimination thereafter. The Climate-focused Analytics and Modelling for Mosquito-borne Infections in Southern Africa (CAMMISA) Consortium seeks to conduct collaborative analytical research in a 5-year programme to advance understanding of the direct and indirect impact of climate variability and change on the transmission and control of MBDs (in particular malaria, chikungunya and dengue) in Southern Africa, with an aim to optimising intervention. Using mathematical modelling, climate science and statistical modelling methods, the research programme seeks to design a set of climate scenarios across time scales relevant to MBD management to support mathematical modelling efforts to estimate the future impact and cost of MBD intervention. Through demonstrated collaboration in this grant, the CAMMISA Consortium will form a nexus of climate-and-health-focused research projects led by local modellers and analysts working closely alongside local decision- makers.