Social, environmental and climate change impact of vector-borne diseases in arid areas of Southern Africa

Objectives

Overall objective: To determine the impact of socio-economic, environmental, climatic, bionomic and institutional factors on malaria and schistosomiasis in specific vulnerable communities in arid areas of Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe with a view to develop stakeholder-driven adaptation strategies

Specific objectives:

1. To determine the temporal trends of the burden of malaria and schistosomiasis

2. To determine community perceptions of the influence of climate change on VBDs with special focus on malaria and schistosomiasis

3. To establish the influence of socio-economic, environmental, climatic and institutional factors on the transmission dynamics of malaria and schistosomiasis

4. To explore, define and recommend stakeholder-driven adaptation strategies to reduce population health vulnerabilities due to malaria and schistosomiasis