Climate Change Contributes To Vector-Borne Diseases: Australian Medical Specialist
The impact of climate change could contribute to the increase of vector-borne diseases in Fiji and other Pacific Island nations, says an Australian medical specialist.
Griffith University School of Pharmacy Deputy Head (Learning and Teaching), Dr Gary Grant told 47 participants at the Fiji Pharmaceutical Society Annual Conference yesterday that the changing environment was a major concern.
The two-day conference themed ‘Infectious Diseases: Taking the World Beyond Antibiotics at Warwick Fiji Resort and Spa in Sigatoka was aimed to encourage local pharmacists to use best global practices in tackling antimicrobial resistance locally.
“I am concerned with the changing environment; the fact is it carries diseases to areas where the potential of vectors are likely to change too,” Dr Grant said.
He added that he was concerned with the spread of mosquito diseases like dengue to the change in environment as an impact of climate change.
“So clearly we need to be paying more attention to what we are doing to the environment. It has a physical impact on infectious diseases as well,” he added.
Dr Grant said climate change was also felt in other parts of the world and its impact was taking a toll on people’s health.
Dr Grant is specialised in areas of antibiotic
I am concerned with the changing environment; the fact is it carries diseases to areas where the potential of vectors are likely to change too Dr Gary Grant Griffith University School of Pharmacy Deputy Head (Learning and Teaching)
therapy, management of infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship.
Fiji Pharmaceutical Society President, Reshnika Sen said climate change could have an impact on health care professionals in Fiji.
“We have medicines that are ready to kill them in one climate but that is the main issue with climate change.
“What if the bacteria advances further in terms of climate change and they are able to adapt better than us humans? This is on a micro-biological level,” she added.