Bihar is experiencing the early impacts of climate change through irregular rainfall and escalating temperatures, resulting in an increased risk of diseases like lymphatic filariasis in villages such as Sher. Rising temperatures are creating conducive environments for disease-carrying mosquitoes and sandflies, leading to the spread of illnesses like elephantiasis, dengue, and kala azar.
Efforts to address these health challenges are being spearheaded by individuals like Kusum Begum in Sher village and Shanti Devi in Mugal Biracha village, who are working towards educating their communities on disease prevention and climate resilience. The shift in climate conditions is not only affecting Bihar but also extending the reach of vector-borne diseases to regions previously unaffected, prompting urgent action to mitigate these escalating health risks.
The state is taking steps to tackle the impacts of climate change on health, with recommendations to individuals to use mosquito repellents and promote fumigation at the societal level. Experts emphasize the importance of integrating climate change adaptation strategies into efforts aimed at controlling neglected tropical diseases like lymphatic filariasis and visceral leishmaniasis, requiring a multidisciplinary approach and advanced planning to reduce disease burden in vulnerable communities.