The extreme heat that has hit the northern hemisphere is causing “growing pressure” on countries’ health systems, the director of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.
“Extreme heat is hitting those least able to cope hard, such as the elderly, infants and children, as well as the poor and homeless, and is increasing pressure on health systems.” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, during a press conference. conference held in Geneva.
The official noted that Europe, Asia and North America are still suffering from an extreme heat wave in some regions, which scientists say is a result of climate change and the recent resurgence of the El Niño phenomenon.
“Excessive heat exposure has a wide range of implications for people’s health… leading to premature death,” said Tedros Ghebreyesus.
The WHO director also explained that the organization, in collaboration with the United Nations Meteorological Agency (WMO), is helping countries to develop health plans against heat, in particular to help them better prepare and reduce the effects of excessive heat on health.
“We are working with the WMO to establish an early warning system,” added the director of the department responsible for public health and environmental issues at the WHO, Maria Neira.
The Spanish doctor explained that the WHO is especially concerned about the situation of people with cardiovascular disease, diabetes or asthma -especially since extreme heat can cause spikes in air pollution-, as well as children, pregnant women and the elderly.
The WHO official explained that national or local authorities need to have “very robust” systems in place to ensure they can quickly detect anyone who may be at risk due to these weather factors, and it is critical that hospitals have schemes to prepare.
María Neira stressed that the authorities should advise people not to go outside when it is hot, to avoid outdoor sports, to stay in cool places, to take care of the most vulnerable and to be attentive to possible warning signs. of serious accidents, such as dehydration.
According to the WMO, repeated high temperatures overnight are particularly dangerous to human health, as the body is unable to recover from the continued heat, which could lead to an increase in heart attacks and deaths.
Source: TSF
