Climate Change and Mental Health: New Model of Managing Mental Health Illness Resulting From Climate Change Events. Rwanda Perspective

Abstract

Hazards resulting from climate change jeopardize human in one way or another. Annually countless deaths, physical injuries, and the collapse of houses, among other consequences, are reported as negative effects associated to climate change events. There is no doubt that these effects are followed by mental health problems which requires the continuation of care after the emergency situation. This paper aimed at highlighting how climate change hazards in Rwanda might be followed by unidentified mental health illness, and proposed a model for proper management. The authors reviewed different literatures to inform their views about the issue and appreciate the efforts being done by the Government to manage immediate mental health problems resulting from climate change hazards for the victims. The authors suggested the need for the continuation of mental health care services after an emergency and that these services be provided by Community Health Workers who live day to day with victims. This will benefit not only the victims but also other people who might be having mental health issues within the community. The Authors recommend further research to document the impact of climate change on mental health and magnitude of the problem in Rwanda.

Positive Externalities of Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation for Human Health: A Review and Conceptual Framework for Public Health Research

“…An increase in temperature of one degree Celsius was associated with an additional 17 cases of diarrheal illness [ 98 ]. Additionally, in Rwanda, climate change related adverse events have been associated with increase in annual deaths, physical injuries, collapsing houses contributing to homelessness, and loss of crops exacerbating existing food insecurity challenges [ 99 ]. This also negatively affects mental health by increasing incidence of anxiety, stress and depression [ 99 ].…”

“…Additionally, in Rwanda, climate change related adverse events have been associated with increase in annual deaths, physical injuries, collapsing houses contributing to homelessness, and loss of crops exacerbating existing food insecurity challenges [ 99 ]. This also negatively affects mental health by increasing incidence of anxiety, stress and depression [ 99 ]. Moreover, consistent with previous studies, an analysis of daily health facility visits for enteric symptoms (diarrhea, gastroenteritis, or vomiting) and daily precipitation data for all under-five children in Rusizi, one of 30 districts of Rwanda, found a statistically significant association between extreme rainfall events and clinically diagnosed enteric infections [ 100 ].…”