When rain patterns shift and ocean temperatures rise, the effects ripple through Pacific ecosystems, economies, and public health. Outbreaks of leptospirosis and mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue, often surge in the aftermath of cyclones or during prolonged wet seasons. For communities already managing multiple climate and development pressures, these diseases can silently undermine resilience.
In New Caledonia, Ms Léa Douchet, a PhD candidate with the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), is helping to close the gap between climate science and public health. Her research uses climate and mathematical models to inform future disease outbreaks in the Pacific, giving governments the ability to anticipate and prepare for the health impacts of a changing climate.
Her work has earned international recognition: Léa was recently selected among the L’Oréal–UNESCO Young Talents – France 2025 awardees, joining 34 early-career women scientists whose research advances sustainable development and human well-being.
This research is part of a partnership between the Pacific Community's (SPC) Climate Change and Sustainability Division and Public Health Division, supported through SPC’s Climate Change Flagship Programme. Together, the divisions are integrating climate and health data to develop practical early-warning tools that help ministries of health strengthen disease surveillance.
Ms Douchet said the collaboration is helping turn complex data into real-world solutions.
“Working with SPC gives this research purpose beyond the laboratory,” she said. “By linking climate models to health planning, we can help Pacific countries act early and protect communities before outbreaks occur.”
“Our goal is to connect climate data with health outcomes in a way that supports early decisions. By working with SPC, we’re ensuring that the research doesn’t stay theoretical; it becomes part of operational systems that protect communities.”
The modelling process brings together climate variables such as temperature, rainfall, and humidity with epidemiological records from Pacific Island countries. By identifying how environmental conditions create “windows of risk” for disease transmission, the models help countries shift from reactive to preventative approaches.
Dr Berlin Kafoa, Director of SPC’s Public Health Division, said this collaboration highlights how applied science can strengthen national preparedness.
“Climate-sensitive diseases are a clear example of how health and climate are intertwined. The insights from Ms Douchet’s work can help ministries of health plan ahead, adjust resource allocation, and ultimately save lives,” he said.
“It also shows how SPC’s divisions can work together to translate complex science into applied solutions that serve the region.”
Ms Anne-Claire Goarant, Coordinator of the Climate Change Flagship within SPC’s Climate Change and Sustainability Division, said the recognition reflects the value of Pacific-led research and cross-sectoral collaboration.
“Ms Douchet’s work embodies what we aim to achieve through the climate change Flagship: connecting research, capacity building, and policy to strengthen Pacific systems and climate action. When young scientists, particularly women, are empowered to lead research in and for the region, we all benefit. It reinforces Pacific ownership of knowledge and ensures that solutions are grounded in local realities.”
The project is part of a growing body of research positioning SPC as a regional hub for climate and health innovation. By linking scientific inquiry with practical policy design, SPC is supporting member countries in strengthening resilience through evidence-based planning and cross-sector collaboration.
Ms Douchet’s recognition is a reminder that world-class science can emerge from local partnerships and that when research is rooted in Pacific realities, it not only informs global understanding but also safeguards the region’s future.
For more information:
- Dr Berlin Kafoa, Director, Public Health Division, Pacific Community (SPC), [email protected]
- Anne-Claire Goarant, Climate Change Flagship Coordinator, Climate Change and Sustainability Division, Pacific Community, SPC [email protected]
