THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON WATERBORNE DISEASES IN ARID AND SEMI-ARID REGIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Climate change is an environmental crisis challenging global public health, particularly through its effects on waterborne diseases in arid and semi-arid regions. Rising temperatures, heat waves, irregular precipitation, floods, and droughts are changing the conditions under which waterborne pathogens survive and spread. These alterations pose serious risks in regions like Central Asia, where water scarcity and aging infrastructure have turned into a threat of the wellbeing of the community. Aims: This systematic review aims to assess how climate-related factors influence the incidence and transmission of waterborne diseases in dryland regions.Hence, explore the relevance of these findings for the Central Asian Region, specifically Kazakhstan. It also aims to identify the most common and frequent climate-sensitive pathogens, explore key means of transmission, and suggest public health strategies that could improve resilience in vulnerable settings. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed epidemiological studies published between 2000 and 2025. Studies were included if they examined climate variables and waterborne diseases in arid or semi-arid settings. Seven studies were selected from regions including Botswana, China, Iran, and Pakistan. Data were extracted and synthesized thematically and narratively to evaluate climate-disease links and vulnerable groups of population. Results: The findings consistently showed that higher temperatures, precipitation extremes, floods, and prolonged droughts were strongly associated with increased incidence of bacterial waterborne diseases such as dysentery, salmonellosis, and cholera. Seasonal patterns and lagged effects were common. Although no studies were conducted in Central Asia, the shared environmental and climatic factors suggest similar risks expected in Central Asia, Kazakhstan. There is a need for improved infrastructure, early warning systems, and integrated climate-health planning in the region.