Water-borne disease risk in climate-induced salinity-prone areas of the south-western coastal region of Bangladesh

This study explored the association between salinity intrusion and water-borne disease risk in the south-western coastal communities of Bangladesh. This study used data from six districts in the Khulna and Barisal divisions to develop a disease risk function incorporating exposure, vulnerability and adaptation indicators. Logistic regression analysis revealed that people in the Khulna division faced a higher risk, with economic vulnerability being a significant contributor. Adaptive technologies are effective in mitigating health risks. As climate change and sea-level rise intensify salinity intrusion, these findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions and climate-resilient policies in coastal Bangladesh.