As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Mauritius is on the frontline of climate change, facing rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting disease patterns. While much of the global conversation focuses on economic and environmental consequences, the impact on human health is just as critical. Climate change is a public health crisis that threatens the well-being of Mauritians. This blog post explores how climate change is affecting health in Mauritius and what steps can be taken to mitigate these risks.
1. Rising Temperatures, Heatwaves, and UV Exposure
As global temperatures continue to rise, Mauritius is experiencing an alarming increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves. According to the Mauritius Meteorological Services, the island's average annual temperature has risen by approximately 0.74°C over the past century, with the warming trend accelerating in recent decades. The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that heatwaves will be responsible for 250,000 additional deaths annually between 2030 and 2050, with island nations like Mauritius being particularly at risk.
Heatwave Health Risks
Heat is a critical environmental and occupational health hazard, with heat stress being the leading cause of weather-related deaths and worsening conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, leading causes of death in Mauritius. Heatstroke, a life-threatening emergency, is becoming more frequent as climate change increases exposure to extreme heat globally, with heat-related deaths among those over 65 rising by 85% between 2000-2004 and 2017-2021 according to the WHO. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and outdoor workers, face heightened risks as the body struggles to regulate temperature beyond 37.5-38.3°C, leading to heat exhaustion or fatal heatstroke. Low-income communities are disproportionately affected due to poor housing, lack of cooling, and outdoor labour, while agricultural and construction workers endure prolonged exposure, elevating their risk of heat-related illnesses.
The Growing Threat of UV Radiation
Another pressing issue linked to climate change is the intensification of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The UV index tends to be higher in the Southern Hemisphere, especially during summer, due to Earth's elliptical orbit bringing it closer to the sun in January, relatively clear atmospheric conditions, and ozone layer fluctuations over Antarctica. Mauritius, located close to the tropics, already experiences UV Index (UVI) levels exceeding 11 during summer months, which falls in the "extreme" category as per WHO guidelines. This heightened UV exposure poses significant health risks to the Mauritian population, increasing the likelihood of premature ageing of the skin, immune system suppression, skin cancer, cataracts and other UV-related illnesses.
Long-term exposure to high levels of UV radiation has been scientifically linked to an increased risk of skin cancer, cataracts, and immune system suppression. The Mauritian National Cancer Registry has reported a steady rise in melanoma rates over the past two decades. Cataracts, a leading cause of blindness, are also linked to prolonged UV exposure, with WHO estimating that 10% of all cataract cases worldwide are UV-related.
2. The Rise of Vector-Borne Diseases
One of the most pressing health threats associated with climate change in Mauritius is the spread of vector-borne diseases, particularly those transmitted by mosquitoes, such as dengue and chikungunya. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, increasing their populations and extending their range. Warmer temperatures also accelerate the development of viruses within mosquitoes, making disease transmission more efficient.
Mauritius has recently reported cases of chikungunya, marking its first local outbreak since 2006 (gov.mu). The initial case was detected in March 2025 in a 37-year-old woman, followed by additional cases in Péreybère (affecting two women aged 95 and 59) and Plaine-Magnien (involving five men aged 42 to 69). Meanwhile, dengue fever has seen a significant surge, with 3,311 cases reported on the main island and 1,363 cases in Rodrigues between December 2023 and March 2024, resulting in four fatalities. This is a sharp increase from the 265 cases recorded in 2023 and the absence of cases in 2022 and 2021 (WHO).
Mauritius has historically implemented effective vector control programs, but climate change is making it harder to contain outbreaks. Recent years have seen a resurgence of dengue fever, putting additional pressure on the healthcare system. If temperatures continue to rise, the country may experience more frequent and severe outbreaks, affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
3. Respiratory Illnesses and Air Quality Decline
Climate change contributes to worsening air quality through increased temperatures, changes in wind patterns, and the frequency of wildfires. Poor air quality has direct implications for respiratory health, exacerbating conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Rising temperatures also intensify ground-level ozone formation, a major component of air pollution that can cause lung irritation and reduced lung function. Those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, young children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, dust and allergens, such as pollen, thrive in warmer climates, leading to increased cases of allergic reactions and respiratory distress.
Mauritius has experienced a significant burden of respiratory diseases, with lung diseases accounting for 646 deaths in 2020 (6.52% of total deaths) and an age-adjusted mortality rate of 37.21 per 100,000 people. Lower respiratory infections had a mortality rate of 46.3 per 100,000 in 2019. Climate change is exacerbating these conditions by contributing to rising temperatures, increased air pollution, and higher concentrations of allergens such as pollen and dust.
The link between climate change and worsening respiratory health underscores the need for proactive mitigation strategies in Mauritius, including air quality monitoring, adaptation policies, and improved healthcare interventions.
4. Mental Health and Climate Anxiety
Beyond physical health, climate change has profound psychological effects, particularly in vulnerable regions like Mauritius. The island, prone to extreme weather events such as cyclones, flash floods, and droughts, is witnessing increasing rates of climate-related stress and anxiety. These events, intensified by climate change, disrupt communities and exacerbate mental health challenges, especially in coastal and agricultural areas.
The frequency of extreme weather events has notably increased in recent decades. For example, Cyclone Belal (2024) caused widespread damage to infrastructure and communities, while Flash floods and droughts have frequently disrupted daily life, resulting in school closures, livelihood losses, and even fatalities. According to the Mauritius Meteorological Services, both the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events have escalated significantly over the past two decades. The economic instability that follows these disasters has a direct impact on mental health, as disruptions to agriculture and fishing lead to food insecurity and financial strain. Furthermore, the interruption of the school calendar has adverse effects on children, adding to the overall distress. Studies have documented the increasing psychological toll of climate change in vulnerable communities. While specific data for Mauritius may be limited, research indicates that climate-related stress is becoming a significant mental health concern in island nations, contributing to rising levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
5. Strengthening Health Resilience Against Climate Change
Addressing the health impacts of climate change in Mauritius requires a proactive, multidisciplinary approach that incorporates both immediate interventions and long-term strategies to enhance resilience.
- Enhanced Disease Surveillance:
As climate change alters weather patterns, the spread of climate-sensitive diseases becomes more unpredictable. Strengthening surveillance systems to track and predict these diseases can mitigate their impact on public health. Early detection and response can reduce the burden on healthcare systems, ensuring timely interventions to minimise outbreaks. In addition, improving surveillance can help monitor mental health trends linked to climate events. Given the psychological toll that cyclones, droughts, and rising temperatures have on vulnerable populations, monitoring anxiety, depression, and PTSD cases will be crucial in providing timely psychological support to affected communities.
- Community Awareness and Mental Health Support:
Expanding public education on the health impacts of climate change is vital in empowering communities to take proactive steps. Awareness campaigns should focus on both physical health risks, such as heat-related illnesses and waterborne diseases, as well as psychological well-being, especially among children.
- Policy and Government Action:
While the Mauritius Climate Change Act of 2020 lays the groundwork for climate adaptation, there is room to enhance its focus on public health. The Act can be strengthened by integrating health adaptation strategies that address climate-induced health risks, including heat-related illnesses, food insecurity, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Mandating climate-sensitive health surveillance and including mental health support for vulnerable communities, such as those affected by extreme weather events, would improve the country’s resilience. Additionally, fostering cross-sectoral collaboration between health and environmental agencies ensures a holistic response, protecting both physical and mental well-being against the growing challenges of climate change.
Tunley Environmental’s Duty to SIDS
As a company, we at Tunley are committed to highlighting the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Mauritius because we care about the future of these more vulnerable places. With a team of brilliant scientists based there, we see firsthand the impact of climate change on these vulnerable regions. Our expertise allows us to contribute meaningful insights into the health risks posed by climate change and advocate for actionable solutions to safeguard both people and the environment.
Conclusion
Climate change is an undeniable reality for Mauritius, and its effects on public health are already being felt. It is essential to adopt a holistic approach that addresses both physical and mental health impacts. By strengthening disease surveillance, expanding mental health support, and ensuring robust policy action, Mauritius can better withstand the health consequences of climate change. Investing in resilience today will reduce the long-term burden on healthcare systems, enhance community well-being, and safeguard the future of the nation’s population.