SG-01

PROJECT INFORMATION

Multidimensional vulnerability to dengue and diarrhea in the context of the climate crisis: An exploratory study with a transdisciplinary approach in Caballococha (Loreto, Peru)

Principal investigator (PI):

Bertha Luz Pineda Restrepo, Andean Health Agency-Hipólito Unanue, Lima Peru

E-mail: bpineda@conhu.org.pe

Phone: +57 927 60 4 182

Duration and funding

(August 2023–2024) USD 15,000

Co-funding offered

USD 22,250

Participating countries:

Peru, USA, and Costa Rica

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Climate change is one of the greatest threats to public health of the current century [1]. This threat is evident in Peru, where poverty, urbanization, and disparities in human development, among others, exacerbate vulnerability to health impacts associated with the climate crisis [2-5], such as dengue and diarrhea. It is urgent to develop studies that evaluate vulnerability comprehensively, with methodologies that facilitate the dialogue of knowledge, the science-politics intersection, and intersectional gender sensitivity. In this proposal to compete for the IAI Seed Fund, we propose to co-design a tool that measures multidimensional vulnerability to dengue and diarrhea based on the perspectives and knowledge of local actors to reduce the impact on the health of the population of Caballococha (Loreto, Peru). We will use a transdisciplinary methodology to influence decision-making and public policies. With this, we hope to overcome epistemic and ontological divisions and hierarchies to favor the development of policies sensitive to the needs expressed by the community. Our proposal will benefit multiple actors in Latin America. It will provide tools to (1) Co-design an IVM from a local perspective by identifying community knowledge about the multidimensional causes that favor vulnerability to dengue and diarrhea. (2) Strengthen local health policy advocacy instruments to reduce vulnerabilities to dengue and diarrhea in the context of climate change. (3) Promote the empowerment and participation of local communities through knowledge dialogue and the co-creation of communication strategies that strengthen the community's knowledge about the factors that influence vulnerability to dengue and diarrhea.