Impact of Climate Change on Schistosomiasis Transmission and Distribution—Scoping Review

Kwame Kumi Asare (), Muhi-Deen Wonwana Mohammed, Yussif Owusu Aboagye, Kathrin Arndts and Manuel Ritter ()
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Kwame Kumi Asare: Biomedical and Clinical Research Centre, College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Muhi-Deen Wonwana Mohammed: Biomedical and Clinical Research Centre, College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Yussif Owusu Aboagye: Biomedical and Clinical Research Centre, College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Kathrin Arndts: Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn (UKB), 53127 Bonn, Germany
Manuel Ritter: Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn (UKB), 53127 Bonn, Germany

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 5, 1-26

Abstract: Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic worms of the genus Schistosoma and transmitted through freshwater snails, affects over 200 million people worldwide. Climate change, through rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events, is influencing the distribution and transmission dynamics of schistosomiasis. This scoping review examines the impact of climate change on schistosomiasis transmission and its implications for disease control. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the influence of climate variables (temperature, rainfall, water bodies) on snail populations, transmission dynamics, and the shifting geographic range of schistosomiasis. It also explores the potential effects of climate adaptation policies on disease control. The review follows the Arksey and O’Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, including studies published from 2000 to 2024. Eligible studies were selected based on empirical data on climate change, schistosomiasis transmission, and snail dynamics. A two-stage study selection process was followed: title/abstract screening and full-text review. Data were extracted on environmental factors, snail population dynamics, transmission patterns, and climate adaptation strategies. Climate change is expected to increase schistosomiasis transmission in endemic regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, while some areas, such as parts of West Africa, may see reduced risk. Emerging hotspots were identified in regions not currently endemic. Climate adaptation policies, such as improved water management and early warning systems, were found effective in reducing transmission. Integrating climate adaptation strategies into schistosomiasis control programs is critical to mitigating the disease’s spread, particularly in emerging hotspots and shifting endemic areas.

Keywords: schistosomiasis; climate change; transmission dynamics; snail population; emerging hotspots; climate adaptation policies; neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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