In response to the climate crisis, medical schools across Europe are set to incorporate more education on mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria.
The European Network on Climate & Health Education (Enche), led by the University of Glasgow, aims to better prepare future doctors for the growing health impacts of climate change.
Twenty-five medical schools from countries including the UK, Belgium, and France will integrate these lessons for over 10,000 students.
Dr. Camille Huser, co-chair of the network, emphasized the importance of training future doctors to recognize new disease patterns that are emerging due to climate change.
“The doctors of the future will see different presentations and diseases,” she said.
As Europe faces hotter summers and shifting weather patterns, disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes are expanding their range.
Medical schools integrate climate education, preparing students for rising health challenges worldwide.Chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and mental health issues are also expected to worsen due to extreme weather and air pollution.
Currently, climate change education in medical schools is limited to a few modules.
Enche aims to weave these lessons throughout the curriculum to ensure future healthcare professionals are well-versed in the climate-health connection.
Students will also learn about advocating for sustainable practices, like active travel and “green prescribing,” which encourages environmentally friendly health activities.
The healthcare sector, responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions, will also be addressed.
Huser noted that managing conditions like asthma more effectively could reduce the environmental impact of treatments like inhalers.
The initiative is supported by the World Health Organization and major pharmaceutical companies, working to decarbonize healthcare systems.