ABSTRACT
In Odisha, Kalahandi is one of the most exposed and vulnerable districts to malaria incidences due to its poor socioeconomic condition and extreme climate. The study aimed to explore the temporal characteristics of malaria incidences in Kalahandi and to identify its relationship with rainfall for the period from 2011 to 2018. Out of the total blood films examined, 8.84% were found positive in Kalahandi between 2011 and 2018. Plasmodium falciparum is the most dominant species accounted 88.3% of the total cases. Very high mean annual parasitic index (API) >15 is recorded throughout the study years. The highest incidences are recorded in the monsoon season followed by postmonsoon. The correlation value of the annual blood examination rate with P. falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and API has shown a very high positive correlation. Rainfall shows a (+) correlation with malaria incidences in the cold (0.47) and hot seasons (0.01) and (−) correlation in the monsoon (−0.54) and postmonsoon season (−0.54).
ABSTRACT
Background: Diarrhea and typhoid, ancient water?borne diseases which are highly connected to rainfall are serious public health challenges in the blocks of Kalahandi district of Odisha, India. Objectives: Corroboration of rainfall and waterborne diseases are available in abundance; therefore, the objective of this article is to calculate the climate and disease vulnerability index (CDVI) value for each block of Kalahandi. Methods: We have applied the livelihood vulnerability index with some modifications and classify the three major categories, i.e., exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity into six subcategories. These six subcategories are further divided into 26 vulnerability indicators based on a detailed literature review. Results: The result indicated that the Thuamul Rampur block, the southernmost part of the district is highly exposed to the annual and seasonal mean rainfall, and the Madanpur Rampur block lies in the northernmost part of the district is highly exposed to diarrhea and typhoid. Based on the calculation of the final CDVI value, nearly 50% of blocks of the Kalahandi district fall in the category of very high to high vulnerable zones. Furthermore, it has been observed that factors such as rainfall and disease distribution, vulnerable population and infrastructure, and education and health?care capacities had a notable influence on vulnerability. Conclusion: It is rare to find a health vulnerability?related study in India at this microlevel based on the suitable indicators selected for a tribal and backward region.