Examining the effects of climate and environmental hazards on vector and water-borne diseases in Eastern Uganda

Environmental hazards affected population health in the three districts by increasing the risk of waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea, during severe droughts and landslides. Floods exacerbated waterborne and vector-borne diseases by creating ideal conditions for mosquito breeding and water contamination. There is an urgent need for multihazard-targeted interventions, including improved access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (e.g., regular handwashing with soap, safe water access and use, boiling water, proper sanitation, community WASH sensitization supported by local public health outreach), as well as disaster preparedness strategies, to reduce the health burdens of environmental hazards and enhance community resilience in these regions.