El Nino warning from WHO and WMO: Effects on health and climate are increasing

Castellan and Teresa Zakaria, Head of the Humanitarian Aid, Disaster Action and Health Emergencies Response Unit of the World Health Organization (WHO), made evaluations about the effects of the El Nino weather event on health and climate at the weekly press conference of the United Nations (UN) Geneva Office.

"El Nino is rapidly strengthening and we have just passed the 2 hottest months on record." Castellan said, pointing out that sea surface temperatures are at record levels.

Castellan said that the effects of El Nino are seen in climate-sensitive sectors and will gradually increase, adding: "We expect this (El Nino) event to peak towards the end of the year, but this peak is not a finish line, only a predicted date. Its effects extend far beyond this date." he said.

Pointing out that El Nino is not just a temperature-related issue, Castellan stated that WMO's predictions for the September-November period indicate that there will be above-normal rainfall in some regions and a risk of drought in others.

"In addition to the temperature factor, this also raises issues such as water safety, nutrition and vector-borne diseases," Castellan said. he said.

Stating that WMO is collaborating with its partners to strengthen the work it calls "climate services for health", Castellan said that they aim to build the necessary bridges between the health and meteorology communities to ensure that the forecasts reach the health authorities at the right time and format.

Castellan said:

"Each El Nino event is different. Its impact varies by region and season. It also interacts with other climate factors. However, this El Nino is already coupled with record-breaking temperatures. By the time this event peaks in late 2026, much of the Southern Hemisphere, as well as southern Africa, South America and Australia, will have entered their warmest seasons in the early months of 2027. Seasonal temperatures added to the impact of El Nino will result in drought, forest fires, smoke and the weather they cause." "El Niño is a global signal, but its effects are always felt locally. Just because this event is almost certain to continue around the world does not mean its effects on a particular region or hospital are known for certain."

"El Nino may also change the risk of contracting various diseases"

WHO official Zakaria emphasized that El Nino is an important public health threat other than the climate phenomenon.

"El Niño can contribute to an increase in extreme weather conditions as well as alter the risk of contracting various diseases through changes in weather conditions. This acts as a risk multiplier and its effects on health are expected to be seen around the world," Zakaria said. made his assessment.

Pointing out that exposure to heat directly affects the functioning of the human body, Zakaria mentioned that this situation can lead to deaths and serious diseases by exacerbating cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney, metabolism and mental health problems.

"In many parts of the world, heat-related illnesses, as well as respiratory illnesses associated with wildfire smoke and poor air quality, will be a concern. Droughts and floods can destroy homes and livelihoods, displacing people and reducing their access to food, clean water and healthcare. Healthcare facilities and their critical infrastructures often suffer from floods and droughts," Zakaria said. he said.

Underlining that the effects of El Nino on health are predictable, Zakaria said that they have a window of opportunity to take action before these risks turn into a crisis.

"(Against the effects of El Niño) WHO calls on governments, partners and communities to invest now in preparedness and take early action to save lives and protect health services," Zakaria said. he said.