We all know that climate change poses a threat to the whole planet, but currently it impacts some people more severely than others. Climate change has been linked to the increased transmission of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as leprosy, particularly in low-resource settings.1-3
What’s the link between climate change and the increased risk of NTD transmission?1,2
- Immune suppression: Extreme weather events and droughts ruin crops and contaminate water, leading to malnutrition and weakened immune systems that leave people more susceptible to infection.
- Bacterial viability: Warmer temperatures and increased humidity can prolong the survival of bacteria like Mycobacterium leprae in soil and contaminated water, increasing the risk of transmission.
- Mass displacement: Climate disasters force migration, causing vulnerable populations to crowd into densely crowded areas or temporary shelters with poor sanitation, making early detection difficult and increasing transmission rates.
- Disrupted healthcare: Extreme weather often damages local infrastructure, disrupting routine health services and medication deliveries, as well as wound care for those who already live with leprosy and leprosy-related disabilities.
The Leprosy Mission Trust India has developed a report on how extreme climate event impact risk factors for leprosy. The study explores how certain Indian states are exposed to climate extremes and multidimensional poverty, forcing them to compromise on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and nutrition security.3 Read the report online.
References:
1. Pender J. The impact of climate change on leprosy transmission, and the lives of people affected by leprosy. 21st International Leprosy Congress 2022.
2. Leprosy and its climate dimension. InfoNTD. Accessed June 26, 2026. https://www.infontd.org/resource/leprosy-and-its-climate-dimension.
3. Climate change. The Leprosy Mission Trust India. Accessed June 26, 2026. https://www.leprosymission.in/resources/climate-change/.