Webinar recap: The Rise of Vector-Borne Diseases: How Climate Change is Expanding Their Reach
- Iris Klaasse
- Mar 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 28
On March 25, 2025, the Infectious Disease Alliance (IDA) hosted the webinar
“The Rise of Vector-Borne Diseases: How Climate Change Is Expanding Their Reach,” convening leading experts to explore how rising global temperatures and environmental disruption are fueling the spread of malaria, dengue, Zika, and other vector-borne diseases.
This timely session highlighted the urgent need for innovative public health strategies, coordinated policy responses, and global investment in disease surveillance and prevention.
Key topics discussed
Climate-driven expansion of vector habitats
Public health preparedness for dengue and arboviruses
Emerging threats from diseases like Oropouche and Japanese encephalitis
Innovations in vector control, diagnostics, and One Health strategies
Speakers
Dr. Neelika Malavige, Professor of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Majani Edward, Climate and Health Specialist, Regional African Health Network
Highlights & takeaways
Dengue in a changing climate by Dr. Malavige
Dr. Malavige outlined how rising temperatures are transforming dengue from a seasonal concern to a year-round emergency. Classified as a Grade 3 Emergency by WHO, dengue is now spreading to high-altitude and temperate zones. She emphasized the lack of broadly effective vaccines and early diagnostics, calling for improved viral surveillance, biomarker research, and community-based mosquito control programs.
Climate-driven disease dynamics by Majani Edward
Majani Edward explored how climate shifts accelerate disease transmission. Warmer winters are allowing ticks and mosquitoes to expand into new regions, while floods and droughts are creating unpredictable breeding environments. He called for One Health approaches, predictive modelling, and resilient health systems to mitigate future risks. He also noted that emerging diseases like Oropouche and outbreaks like the ‘mystery illness’ in Congo serve as warnings for global preparedness.
Q&A session
In a moderated discussion, both speakers addressed:
The inadequacy of current funding models for VBD research
The importance of cross-border collaboration in disease surveillance
Community-led strategies to tackle urban breeding grounds
Key statistics
Registered attendees: 46
Live participants: 29
Geographic reach: Asia, Africa and Europe
Looking ahead
IDA will continue to support global action through:
Post-event reports and communication
A growing stakeholder engagement platform
Follow-up webinars and annual gatherings focused on climate and infectious disease intersections
Call to action
IDA urges stakeholders to:
Scale investment in VBD surveillance, vaccine development, and One Health approaches
Implement environmental and urban planning policies to reduce vector habitats
Strengthen cross-sectoral partnerships to improve early warning systems
Prioritise
community education and resilience in high-risk areas
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