Assessing the Effects of Climate and Socioeconomic Factors on Vulnerability to Vector-Borne Diseases in Latin America

This analytical report published by Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) estimates the effects of epidemic outbreaks on health vulnerability. The model proposed is empirically tested for five countries in Latin America, where dengue is a national health priority. Using data from national censuses, satellite climate information and data from a newly developed disease outbreak surveillance online platform, the paper finds that climate has non-negligible effects on health vulnerability. The evidence found and the vulnerability index constructed can be used to analyze the main determinants of vulnerability in order to address policy concerns.