Climate Change as a Health Security Threat in Pakistan: Preparing Health Systems for Extreme Events

Area of Science:

• Climate change impacts on public health
• Health security in developing nations
• Climate-related disease surveillance

Background:

• Pakistan experiences recurrent floods (2022-2025), affecting millions and damaging health infrastructure.
• Climate shocks intensify pre-existing health system fragilities, leading to disease surges and service disruptions.
• Climate-related migration creates new vulnerabilities in informal settlements, fostering outbreaks like extensively drug-resistant typhoid.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impact of the climate crisis on Pakistan's national health security.
• To highlight the role of climate change as a threat multiplier for public health.
• To propose integrated strategies for enhancing health system resilience.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of climate-related health impacts and system fragilities.
• Assessment of disease patterns, including malaria, waterborne infections, and antimicrobial resistance.
• Review of food system disruptions and their effect on child undernutrition.

Main Results:

• Climate variability increases zoonotic spillover risk and hinders Universal Health Coverage progress.
• Floods and climate shocks have worsened child undernutrition, disproportionately affecting women and children.
• Climate change acts as a threat multiplier, compromising national health security.

Conclusions:

• Climate change must be systematically integrated into Pakistan's health policy and planning.
• Key priorities include climate-resilient infrastructure, integrated digital surveillance, and primary care.
• Intersectoral governance and international collaboration are crucial for building a resilient health system.