Preparing for El Niño: The heat is on and our health is at risk

While the end of the COVID-19 global emergency had recently been declared by the World Health Organization albeit with emphasis on continuing vigilance and practice of public health measures to avert another major surge of cases, a new dimension of health threat is emerging and requires serious attention.

We are on the cusp of another El Niño phenomenon that on one hand can cause dry spells and droughts and on another hand can trigger floods, typhoons, and landslides.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, this will happen with a very high probability soon, and its effects are projected to last until the first quarter of 2024.

Amidst our water crisis, food security issues, climate emergency, other health woes notwithstanding the pandemic, El Niño can be detrimental to the health and well-being of Filipinos in three ways:

First, extreme heat in the physical environment can cause heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion. It can increase deaths due to cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and other chronic medical conditions. It can even take its toll on our mental health.

Second, increasing temperature, precipitation, and humidity compounded by food and water issues can increase the cases and amplify the risks of infectious diseases like malaria, dengue, leptospirosis, typhoid fever, and cholera among others.

Third, El Niño can induce extreme weather events causing deadly and destructive disasters like floods, typhoons, and landslides.

Local government units, the private sector, civil society, vulnerable groups, and communities must be poised to respond to these anticipated threats which can overburden our fragile health system and hurt our economy further.

Because some health issues will emerge with the interaction of El Niño with other sectors, e.g., agriculture, water, energy sectors, it is also crucial to sit down with these key players to develop preparedness and contingency measures in order to guarantee the continuity of health services and prevent outbreaks of diseases.

As heat-related extreme events can set in, it is also important to factor in El Niño and climate change as major risk modifiers in our disaster preparedness and response plans not only for health but for other sectors as well. The complex issues and response arrangements that El Niño may bring and imply would require a multisectoral, whole-of-society approach to pull off.

On the part of the public, it is important to take the following measures:

1. Keeping ourselves informed by following the latest weather forecasts and heeding warnings coming from national and local authorities to prepare for any weather-related health risks.

2. Planning in advance for emergencies and contingencies during power outages, water crises, and food and supply chain disruptions.

3. Protecting ourselves from extreme weather conditions by wearing appropriate clothing and staying hydrated during hot weather.

4. Staying healthy by having a healthy lifestyle — balanced diet, enough sleep, and physical activity to boost our immune system and reduce risks of illness.

5. Seeking medical attention in the event of extreme weather conditions, especially for those with chronic medical conditions.

As we celebrate our COVID-19 wins and continue to keep our guard up because the pandemic is still here with us, let us also be prepared for El Niño. The next public health emergency is just around the corner and we can’t afford to lose our good momentum.

RONALD LAW
Public Health Specialist