My research explored how climate change is affecting malaria transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa. Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns are creating more favorable conditions for mosquitoes, which are vectors of the protist disease malaria. I reviewed 13 peer-reviewed studies and found that warmer climates led to faster mosquito breeding and malaria spread, particularly in areas like the East African highlands where cooler temperatures used to keep mosquito populations at bay. I also found that while rainfall can increase mosquito breeding grounds, its effects vary by region. Importantly, the research showed that social factors, such as conflict and healthcare access, also play a major role. In areas experiencing war or lacking medical resources, malaria rates rise even more. Overall, the study shows that fighting malaria will require both climate awareness and strong public health strategies.
I became interested in this topic after learning how climate change impacts even the smallest organisms, including mosquitoes. That made me realize how connected the environment is to human health. I expected the capstone to be very difficult, but it turned out to be easier and more enjoyable than I thought. This was mostly because the project was one I was genuinely interested in and my faculty advisor was incredibly supportive. The most challenging part was reading through so many research papers filled with complex vocabulary, unfamiliar statistical tests, and complex result graphs. But once I took the time to understand those concepts, the rest of the project came together smoothly. I was surprised by how well all the information aligned in the end and how meaningful the findings felt.
If I were to expand this research, I’d focus on holding certain variables constant, expanding the geographic scope, or exploring how improving access to healthcare might decrease malaria despite rising temperatures. What I’m taking away from this experience is that climate change affects every living organism, including us humans. Seeing how environmental shifts directly impact public health gave me a deeper appreciation for the urgency and complexity of climate issues.
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