ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the applications of thermal infrared (TIR) satellite data in public health within the One Health framework. It explores how environmental variables (such as temperature, humidity, and air quality) influence the spread of infectious diseases, particularly vector-borne illnesses (e.g., malaria, dengue, Zika, and chikungunya) and climate-related risks (for instance, heatwaves and pollution). By integrating TIR with other satellite datasets, it is possible to achieve global coverage, near real-time monitoring, and urban-scale thermal mapping. These capabilities enable outbreak prediction, vulnerability assessment (e.g., urban heat islands and at-risk populations), and support for emergency response to natural disasters (such as wildfires and floods). TIR data also informs public policy, land-use planning, and climate adaptation strategies to protect human, animal, and environmental health. Limitations (such as spatial resolution and the need for local data integration) are addressed, alongside emerging innovations like drones, high-resolution imagery, and AI-based predictive modeling. The chapter emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration to translate TIR data into actionable public health policies.
