Evaluating Epidemiological Trends and Public Health Risks in Climate Change-Related Disasters: Leveraging a One Health Approach for Integrated Solutions

This essay examined the intersection of climate change, natural disasters, and public health outcomes, with a particular focus on the increased risks of vector-borne diseases. Using the One Health Systems Mapping and Analysis Resource Toolkit (OH-SMART) framework, the analysis evaluated two case studies of climate-related disasters: the 2022 floods in Pakistan and the 2017 impacts of Hurricanes Maria and Irma in Puerto Rico. The OH-SMART framework, previously operationalized in 18 countries, was chosen for its adaptability and effectiveness in disaster preparedness and vector-borne disease control, particularly in low-resource settings. Each of the framework’s six steps was applied to the case studies to analyze existing disaster responses and identify gaps where interdisciplinary strategies could have improved outcomes. Case Study 1 focused on the hydrological disaster of the 2022 Pakistan floods, which exacerbated the transmission of vector-borne diseases. The case study analysis highlighted the importance of incorporating local stakeholders into environmental surveillance to address disease outbreaks effectively. Case Study 2 examined the meteorological disasters of Hurricanes Maria and Irma in Puerto Rico, which caused widespread disruption to public health systems, infrastructure, and mosquito surveillance, increasing the risks of arboviral diseases such as dengue and Zika. By employing the six steps of the OH-SMART framework, this essay demonstrated the critical need for cross-sectoral collaboration. Ultimately, the findings argued that climate-related disasters required proactive, multidisciplinary One Health approaches to mitigate cascading public health impacts and build sustainable, community-centered solutions for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.