Emerging Climate Change-related Public Health Challenges: the Potential Impacts of Temperature Rise on Health Outcomes in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

In Dar es Salaam, climate model analysis strongly suggests that both day- and night-time temperatures will rise, with heat waves also expected to increase. Heat will likely aggravate many existing health and well-being risks in the city. Among other impacts, an increase in temperature can lead to: increases in infectious, vector-borne, and heat-related illnesses; rising levels of morbidity and mortality related to non-communicable diseases; and deteriorating mental and occupational health. This briefing outlines some potential interventions at multiple scales that could increase the resilience of Dar’s communities.