Heatwave Induced Health Vulnerability Assessment in Bangladesh

Abstract

Abstract Heatwaves emerge as a substantial environmental hazard, posing a severe threat to public health, especially in the tropical countries of South Asia. Despite Bangladesh's susceptibility to natural disasters, including an unprecedented temperature surge, heat stress lacks official recognition as a disaster. This study aims to assess the spatial distribution of health vulnerability to heat waves at the district level, in Bangladesh. Utilizing a framework incorporating exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, the vulnerability index score for each district was computed. Ten indicators, weighted through the entropy method, revealed health professional presence as the most influential, while factors like air temperature and illiteracy held lower weights in the assessment. The research reveals that Kurigram exhibits high sensitivity to heat, attributed to increased agricultural engagement, higher illiteracy rates, and a larger proportion of the population living below the poverty line. Conversely, Sherpur is identified as having the lowest adaptive capacity, primarily due to a scarcity of health professionals and limited green spaces within the district. Furthermore, Sherpur and Khagrachhari are identified as the most vulnerable districts to heat waves from health perspective. This research facilitates strategic resource allocation by pinpointing vulnerable districts and provides insights into the underlying reasons, informing policy formulation and encouraging international collaboration.