Drought and Health
The Water, Climate and Health Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's College of Public Health is at the forefront of understanding the complex connections between drought and human health.
Drought is one of the deadliest and costliest climate-related disasters worldwide. From cutting-edge research to national policy frameworks, our team of internationally-recognized experts lead interdisciplinary efforts in environmental science, community engagement, and public health policy to drive innovation in drought and health preparedness and response around the globe.
Read our national reports on drought policy, explore our drought and health research, and learn more about our drought and health resources below.

Advancing Global Drought and Health Resilience
Dr. Jesse Bell attended the World Meteorological Organization's Drought Resilience +10 Conference in October 2024 to advocate for the inclusion of public health initiatives in national drought plans across the globe.
National Reports

Drought and Health: A Messaging Framework for Public Health Professionals and Healthcare Providers
Research
See our body of drought work below:
Synthesis Articles
5th National Climate Assessment
Health Policy
Vulnerable Populations
Physical Science
Respiratory Impacts
Cardiovascular Impacts
Fungal Disease Impacts
Community Engagement
The Water, Climate and Health Program is committed to turning research into action. Through national drought and health summits, global thought leadership, and training the public health and healthcare workforce, our team of interdisciplinary experts are leaders in the drought resilience field.

In fall 2024, the Water, Climate and Health Program hosted public health professionals across the nation for a workshop on drought and health preparedness and response.

Dr. Jesse Bell was an invited speaker at the 2024 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification's COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

At the Drought Resilience +10 Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, Dr. Jesse Bell asked international participants to report the health impacts of drought that they see in their respective countries.

The Water, Climate and Health Program trained public health professionals on drought and health risk messaging at the 2024 Nebraska Environmental Health Summit.

Summer Woolsey discusses the drought and health work being done at the Water, Climate and Health Program at the Drought Resilience +10 Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.