Public health challenges of climate change-induced non-communicable diseases in vulnerable populations and resource-limited healthcare system: a systematic review.

backgroundClimate change poses significant threats to global health, impacting physical, mental, and socio-economic well-being across diverse settings. Understanding these impacts on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and prevention strategies is critical for informing public health policy and practice.

objectiveThis study aimed to systematically synthesise existing evidence on the public health challenges of climate change-induced NCDs in vulnerable populations and low-resource settings and inform policymakers about developing interventions to protect vulnerable populations from the adverse impacts of climate change on health.

methodsA systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted by searching six databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCOhost, and Cochrane Library. Studies that addressed the link between environmental changes and NCD risks or evaluated prevention strategies were included, with 27 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The data were analysed using thematic synthesis, and the quality of the studies was evaluated using standardised appraisal instruments.

resultsThe review synthesised evidence from (n = 27) studies and identified multiple ways climate and environmental changes exacerbate NCD risks, including heat stress, air pollution, and food insecurity. Vulnerable populations, such as low-income households and displaced communities, were disproportionately affected. The global health challenges of climate change can be averted by utilising multiple and cost-effective strategies such as community engagement, establishing climate-inclusive health policies, and improving the effectiveness of resilient healthcare systems. However, data availability scarcity, inadequate policy implementation, gaps in multisectoral collaboration, and acclimatisation measures continue to be key obstacles to climate change-induced NCD challenges.

conclusionClimate change is a prominent cause of NCDs and public health challenges in the 21st century, particularly among vulnerable populations and healthcare systems in low-resource settings. An integrated systems approach with multisectoral collaboration and involvement is required to establish a climate-resilient public healthcare system that mitigates climate-induced public health challenges and impacts. Future research should focus on addressing data gaps, scaling effective interventions, and prioritising the needs of vulnerable populations.