Why?
There are currently no operational early-warning systems for dengue that are based climate information, allowing for early action. A key component to detecting, addressing, and forming preventative guidlines for dengue is survelliance of the diseases’s patterns. Thus, the Red Cross will strengthen existing links between the Indonesian Red Cross and Indoniesian health authorities while also focusing on communities and how to best bring disease awareness to communities. Climate change means new health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. In Indonesia, climate change is expected to affect the spread of climate sensitive vector-borne diseases, such as dengue fever. Dengue fever is spread by mosquitos, which are attracted to stagnant water pools after heavy rains or flooding, or when water is stored due to low rainfall, and temperature increases also provide fertile breeding ground, enhancing the possibility for dengue. Studies suggest that dengue cases will substantially increase in the coming years in Indonesia due to climate change causing more rainfall. The project is based in Jakarta.
What?
Objectives focus on both community and national-level outreach. At the community-level, volunteers and Red Cross staff are trained, with the former spreading awareness of dengue and climate in their communities. Red Cross staff, in cooperation with health ministries, the WHO, and other partners, share information and data of changing disease patterns in order to comprehensively address the changing risks imposed by climate change, and act when and where appropriate. The Red Cross headquarters in Indonesia also regularly monitors data to further aid establishing disease patterns.
Who?
The Indonesian Red Cross will focus on communities within Jakarta where Red Cross branches are located, reaching between 150,000-200,000 people.