ABSTRACT
Communities in developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs) are recognised as the most vulnerable and at risk for a range of negative health impacts associated with climate change (Confalonieri et al. 2007). Although vulnerability to health impacts of climate change exists in all countries, these communities already experience higher exposures to health risks associated with poverty, endemic infectious diseases, increased urbanisation and inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure. They are already burdened with the world's most prominent climate-sensitive health challenges, such as malaria, diarrhoea, and undernutrition (Confalonieri et al. 2007), and frequently have limited access to health care and preventive services. These challenges are projected to worsen with climate change, assuming limited adaptation and mitigation. In addition, many resources essential to health, such as adequate water and food security for these communities, are also threatened by changing climatic conditions. The World Health Organization, other organisations and scientific experts have made clear that adapting to current and future health risks posed by climate change through public health policy and interventions should now be a health sector-wide priority critical for future human development (Costello et al. 2009; WHO 2008). Therefore, the protection of vulnerable communities in developing countries should be central to efforts for health and climate change adaptation.
