This week the RGHI spotlight is on RGHI Innovation Grant Award Holder Kai Chen, who is leading research to better understand the connection between climate change, extreme weather events and diarrhoeal disease in low and middle-income countries, helping to shape solutions for the future.

Diarrhoeal disease is one of the leading causes of childhood mortality, responsible for approximately 500,000 deaths annually in children under five. As climate change continues to intensify extreme weather patterns, the rise of floods, droughts and precipitation is expected to increase, worsening public health challenges for people in vulnerable communities.

Kai’s research seeks to bridge knowledge gaps in understanding how climate-induced weather extremes affect childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea. This research utilises data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) across 51 LMICs in sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The study applies statistical modelling to examine how precipitation, floods, and droughts impact childhood diarrhoea rates. Furthermore, it provides greater insights into whether WASH practices can mitigate these effects. This research allows us to deepen our understanding of the links between climate change and childhood health and provides insights to inform adaptation measures and policy responses.

“Climate change is a pressing issue across all sectors, yet its potential impact on hygiene, and, consequently, public health, is not sufficiently understood. This is not an abstract or distant concern; the world has just experienced its second-hottest March on record, and the effects of extreme weather are being felt right now. RGHI is committed to funding research that will enhance our understanding of these impacts and identify measures needed to support the communities hardest hit.”

–  Sarah Roberts, Executive Director, RGHI

Stay tuned for more insights from leading researchers in the field.

The RGHI Spotlights Series showcases researchers’ inspiring work on improving global hygiene and health outcomes. Each post highlights a project funded through an RGHI grant or fellowship, detailing its goals, progress, and potential impact. These spotlights celebrate innovation and collaboration in tackling some of the world’s most pressing hygiene challenges. To learn more about RGHI-funded research and its contributions to advancing hygiene and health worldwide, explore our research portfolio.