Introduction

Caribbean countries are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including increases in vector-borne diseases such as dengue. In 2017, Barbados co-developed a national dengue early warning system (EWS) using climate data to predict outbreaks months in advance. The initiative was implemented through a multisectoral partnership involving health, meteorological and research institutions.²⁰

While not originally designed as an IR project, a retrospective analysis was carried out by Neta et al (2022) to identify key implementation barriers and how they were overcome.¹⁸

Early consultation

Early and ongoing stakeholder engagement was critical to the success of the dengue EWS. Not only did it increase “acceptability” of the EWS but ensured that implementation was equitable and developed in partnership with those most in need.

Multisectoral collaboration

A collaborative co-learning approach across sectors helped adapt to changing conditions and develop new ways of thinking.²¹ Drawing on both climate and health data, the team identified the delayed impact of heavy rainfall and the role of safe water storage (i.e. covers and use of larvicide to deter mosquito breeding) in reducing future outbreaks of dengue and the importance of public health messaging to raise awareness.¹⁸

Addressing financial and technical barriers

Financial and technical constraints were mitigated by simplifying the modelling process and embedding the system within existing platforms, such as the Barbados Meteorological Services’ online weather/climate hazard messaging system.²¹ This supported sustainability and local ownership.