CLIMATE CHANGE AND INFECTIONS IN WOMEN'S HEALTH: IMPACTS, VULNERABILITIES, AND CHALLENGES FOR PUBLIC HEALTH
Abstract
Climate change has emerged as one of the main determinants of global health, significantly influencing the dynamics of infectious diseases and exacerbating population vulnerabilities. In this context, this study analyzed the impacts of climate change on the occurrence of infections in women’s health, focusing on vulnerabilities and challenges for public health. This is an integrative literature review conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and Latindex databases, considering publications from 2022 to 2026. The results showed that climatic factors such as rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and the intensification of extreme events favor the proliferation of vectors and the spread of pathogens, contributing to the increase in infectious diseases. It was observed that women, especially pregnant women and those in situations of socioeconomic vulnerability, are more susceptible to these impacts due to biological and social factors that increase health risks. Furthermore, environmental disasters such as floods worsen sanitary conditions and increase infection rates, highlighting the fragility of health systems in the face of climate emergencies. The study also emphasized the importance of incorporating a gender perspective into public policies, as well as the need for intersectoral strategies integrating health, environment, and social development. It is concluded that climate change represents a significant challenge for women’s health, requiring preventive, adaptive, and strengthening actions within health systems, with a focus on equity and vulnerability reduction.
Author Biography
Master’s degree in Climatology and Applications in CPLP Countries and Africa from the State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
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