02597nas a2200301 4500000000100000008004100001260002000042653001900062653002000081653002200101653001500123653001300138653001600151653001700167653002000184653001300204653001900217653001900236100001400255700001800269700001900287700002100306245016700327856006800494300000900562490000700571520171700578 2025 d bSAGE Publishing10aClimate change10aTrypanosomiasis10aZoonotic diseases10aPrevalence10arainfall10aTemperature10aEpidemiology10aDisease control10aZimbabwe10aBinga district10avector ecology1 aNdiweni N1 aLivias Moyo P1 aNjabulo Nunu W1 aTsoka-Gwegweni J00aA Cross-Sectional Study Examining the Role of Climate Variability in Shaping Trypanosomiasis Trends in Binga District, Zimbabwe (2008-2023): A Multi-Method Survey uhttps://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/00469580251339381 a1-130 v623 a
Climate variability, particularly global warming, is expected to have a significant impact on the interactions between pathogens, vectors, and animal and human hosts. Trypanosomiasis, a neglected zoonotic disease, is particularly sensitive to changes in climate, as increased temperatures can accelerate vector development and expand geographical range. This disease remains prevalent in Zimbabwe, with the Binga District being disproportionately affected. This study aimed to explore the effects of climate variability on the epidemiology of trypanosomiasis in the Binga District of Zimbabwe from 2008 to 2023. A multi-method approach was used to incorporate secondary data sources and a data-collection guide. Data collection involved a checklist and questionnaire administered using the Kobo Collect Toolbox. Bivariate correlations were employed to investigate the association between climate variability and trypanosomiasis occurrence. Rainfall and temperature data are presented as line graphs and maps at 3-year intervals for the period 2008 to 2023. Spatial analysis was conducted by overlaying climate data with the reported suspected cases of trypanosomiasis. The findings revealed a notable increase in annual case reports, correlating with increasing maximum and fluctuating average temperatures. Specifically, higher annual average temperatures were recorded in 2008 and 2017, coinciding with an increased incidence of trypanosomiasis. These findings underscore the critical role of climate variability in shaping trypanosomiasis trends in the Binga District of Zimbabwe. These findings highlight the importance of effective disease control strategies in response to climate-induced changes.