The El Niño phenomenon, a natural climate occurrence, poses significant health risks globally, including extreme heat, drought, flooding, wildfires, and severe storms. These events can lead to heat-related illnesses, waterborne and vector-borne diseases, malnutrition, mental health issues, and disruptions to essential health services. As climate-related health risks escalate, preparedness and proactive measures are crucial. The WHO's EPI-WIN webinar, 'Preparing for El Niño and Climate-Related Health Risks: Global Insights and Country Experiences,' aims to address these challenges. It brings together experts and partners to discuss global health risks associated with El Niño, share practical experiences, and explore strategies for strengthening resilience and reducing health impacts. The webinar's objectives are threefold: highlighting priority public health risks, discussing actions for emergency preparedness and anticipatory action, and promoting collaboration across sectors to mitigate health risks. The agenda features speakers from the WHO, including Dr. Teresa Zakaria and Dr. Heather Carlson, who will present a global risk analysis of El Niño and health. Dr. Alex Camacho will discuss the accelerator for health sector operational readiness ahead of the 2026-2027 El Niño. Mr. Alexandre Robert will share examples from the Ngouri district hospital in the Lake Chad Basin, focusing on climate resilience and environmental sustainability. The webinar aims to provide valuable insights and practical solutions for managing the health impacts of El Niño and climate-related risks. It is a crucial platform for sharing knowledge and experiences, enabling governments, health systems, and communities to better prepare for and respond to these challenges. The event's closing remarks will be delivered by Mr. Altaf Musani, Director of Humanitarian and Disaster Management at the WHO headquarters, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing these global health concerns.
/country-readiness-strengthening-(crs)/community-readiness-and-resilience-(crr)/158726.tmb-1200v.jpg?sfvrsn=842b5d0c_1)
