Gaps and opportunities for data systems and economics to support priority setting for climate-sensitive infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: A rapid scoping review

Delight, E.A., Brunn, A.A., Ruiz, F., Gerard, J., Falconer, J., Liu, Y., Bah, B., Bett, B., Uzochukwu, B., Oloko, O.K., Njuguna, E. and Murray, K.A. 2025. Gaps and opportunities for data systems and economics to support priority setting for climate-sensitive infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: A rapid scoping review. PLOS Global Public Health 5(6): e0003814.

Climate change alters risks associated with climate-sensitive infectious diseases (CSIDs) with pandemic potential. This poses additional threats to already vulnerable populations, further amplified by social factors such as gender inequalities. Currently, critical evidence gaps, along with inadequate institutional and governance mechanisms, hinder African states’ ability to prevent, detect and respond to CSIDs. Effective responses require transparent and evidence-based decision-making processes, supported by fit-for-purpose data systems and robust economic analyses. The aim of this study was to explore the role of data systems and economics in priority setting for CSID pandemic preparedness in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a rapid scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A literature search was performed across six bibliographic databases in November 2023. A list of 14 target CSIDs was produced, informed by the World Health Organization’s Public Health Emergencies of International Concern and R&D Blueprint Pathogen lists, and a database of CSIDs. Studies were included if published between 2010 and 2023, were relevant to sub-Saharan Africa, pandemic preparedness, and a target CSID, and applied or assessed economic evaluations or data systems. Extracted data were synthesised using bibliometric analysis, topic categorisation, and a narrative synthesis including the application of a gender lens. We identified 68 relevant studies. Data system studies (n = 50) showed broad coverage across target CSIDs and the WHO AFRO region but also a high degree of heterogeneity, which may indicate a lack of clearly defined standards or research priorities. Economic studies (n = 18) primarily focused on COVID-19 or Ebola and mostly originated from South Africa. Both data system and economic studies identified limited interoperability across sectors and showed a notable absence of gendered considerations. These gaps present important opportunities to strengthen priority setting during pandemics and may contribute to improved and equitable health outcomes.