Evaluating Climate-Sensitive Diseases in Maharashtra and the Essential Role of Preventive Social Medicine in Their Control

Abstract

Climate-sensitive diseases present a growing public health challenge, particularly in Maharashtra, where climatic variability aggravate the spread of various diseases. This article investigates the prevalence, determinants, and health impacts of six primary climate-sensitive disease categories: (1) vector-borne diseases (e.g., malaria and dengue), (2) water-borne diseases (e.g., cholera and typhoid), (3) acute respiratory illnesses attributed to air pollution, (4) heat-related illnesses, (5) emerging infections (e.g., H1N1 influenza and COVID-19), and (6) illnesses arising from extreme weather events (e.g., floods and droughts). Maharashtra’s climatic conditions, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and pollution, compound the spread of these diseases, straining public health resources. Preventive Social Medicine (PSM) also known as community medicine offers an effective approach to mitigating these impacts through health promotion, disease prevention, and community-based interventions. This study highlights PSM's role in strengthening resilience by improving sanitation, promoting public awareness, and enhancing disease surveillance. By examining disease patterns and reviewing PSM’s current strategies, this article provides insights into the strengths and limitations of PSM’s response to climate-sensitive health challenges and proposes actionable recommendations for strengthening Maharashtra’s preventive health infrastructure.