Rising Temperatures Linked to Growing Disease Threats for Children

Jakarta – The Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) has warned that climate change, marked by rising global temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns, is increasing the risk of tropical diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and diarrhea among children.

Dr. Riyadi, a member of IDAI’s Task Force on Environmental Health and Climate Change, said environmental changes are making it easier for disease-carrying vectors to breed and expand into new areas.

“Both globally and locally, rising temperatures are effectively expanding tropical zones. As a result, regions that previously had no history of dengue cases are now beginning to report infections,” Riyadi said during a media seminar held to mark World Environment Day on Tuesday.

He explained that mosquitoes responsible for transmitting diseases such as dengue and malaria are highly sensitive to environmental temperatures. Warmer conditions enable these vectors to survive and reproduce in regions that were once too cold to sustain them.

In addition, changing rainfall patterns are contributing to the formation of more standing water, which serves as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

“When rainfall increases, the risk of dengue typically rises as well because more stagnant water accumulates, providing ideal conditions for mosquito breeding,” he said.

Riyadi also pointed out that climate change is contributing to a higher incidence of diarrhea, particularly in situations where floods and disruptions to sanitation systems occur more frequently due to extreme weather events.

Limited access to clean water and proper sanitation can accelerate the spread of waterborne diseases, posing a serious threat to children, who are generally more vulnerable due to their developing immune systems.

He added that climate change disrupts the balance between the environment, humans, and disease-causing agents, ultimately altering patterns of infectious disease transmission.

“Pathogens shift locations, hosts become more exposed and vulnerable, and vectors are able to grow and reproduce in new environments,” he explained.

Riyadi emphasized that efforts to mitigate climate change must go hand in hand with strengthening sanitation systems, improving access to clean water, enhancing public awareness, and implementing environment-based disease prevention strategies to safeguard children’s health.

“When the climate changes, diseases that are sensitive to environmental conditions will also shift in their patterns. Children are among the most vulnerable groups that must be protected,” he said.

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