**6. Methods for Combating Climate Change and Vector-Borne Diseases**

Maintaining the earth's ecological system and other biophysical systems in good working order is an imperative that is part of the sustainable development option of countries to ensure the persistence or maintenance of life. It is now widely recognized that these systems are in a state of disrepair and that the resulting climate change represents one of the greatest threats to humanity in the 21st century by disrupting the well-being and health of animal and human populations. We must therefore face reality and strive to live within the norms that govern the normal

functioning of our planet. Faced with climate change, which induces a whole range of diseases including vector-borne diseases and zoonosis, it is necessary to make a number of recommendations to mitigate its effects on extreme weather events and on the health of animals and humans. Special attention will be given to the major vector-borne infectious diseases that occur in the Caribbean and particularly in Haiti.

#### **6.1 Main measures to combat climate change**

It is important to restore as quickly as possible the health of ecosystems damaged by human action, through a good understanding of the relationship between climate and health, capacity building, information exchange and the promotion of research. Mitigation and adaptation measures should therefore be taken.
