Suva

Researchers are evaluating the impact of cool roof coatings on health, indoor environments, and economic outcomes in urban climate hotspots across the globe. This global multi-center cluster-randomized controlled trial focuses on communities in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), Ahmedabad (India), Tavua (Fiji), Niue, and Colima (Mexico) where extreme heat caused by climate change increases risks for heat-related illnesses and worsens physical, mental, and social health. The study aims to find effective passive housing adaptations to reduce heat stress and improve wellbeing in vulnerable populations living in poor housing conditions such as informal settlements and slums. The intervention being studied is the application of sunlight-reflecting cool roof coatings, which passively lower indoor temperatures by reflecting ultraviolet and visible sunlight and emitting absorbed solar heat. These coatings are applied to roofs in selected households to reduce heat exposure and energy use. The trial spans multiple urban hotspots with diverse climate and socioeconomic profiles, assessing the effects of cool roofs on health and environmental conditions over time. Participants will have their resting heart rate, blood glucose control, and depression levels measured repeatedly over 12 months, including during three consecutive hottest months and alternate months. Additional outcomes include indoor thermal comfort, blood pressure, dehydration, sleep quality, cognition, productivity, aggression, indoor air quality, energy expenditure, and healthcare utilization. The study will monitor these health and environmental indicators to determine the potential benefits of cool roofs in reducing heat stress and improving life quality in vulnerable communities.

Researchers are conducting a long-term study in Fiji to understand the spread and immunity levels of several mosquito-borne viruses and respiratory viruses among the population. This study focuses on the Central Division of Fiji, where the climate, mosquito species, and international connections increase vulnerability to infections like dengue virus, Zika virus, chikungunya virus, and respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. The goal is to gather updated data on virus exposure and immune responses to better inform public health policies in Fiji and the Oceania region. The study involves about 900 participants aged 6 years and older from at least 210 randomly selected households. Over 38 months, participants will be visited four times, each visit spaced 12 months apart. At each visit, participants will answer questions about their demographics and infection history and provide blood samples for antibody testing. Throughout the study, any participant suspected of having a recent infection with an arbovirus or respiratory virus will be screened to track new cases. Participants will take part in surveys and blood tests at each visit to measure immunity levels and infection rates over time. The study tracks how these viruses spread within households and the community. Researchers will analyze the blood samples to assess herd immunity and virus transmission risks. The study's long-term follow-up and repeated assessments aim to provide detailed insight into virus dynamics and support targeted health interventions. The entire participation period covers around 38 months with four main visits.