The extreme heat that has hit the northern hemisphere is putting “increased pressure” on health systems, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.
“Extreme heat is hitting those least able to deal with its consequences, such as the elderly, infants and children, as well as the poor and the homeless. It also puts increased pressure on health systems,” said Dr.r Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, during a press conference.
Europe, Asia and North America are still suffering from extreme heat on Wednesday in several regions. According to scientists, these high temperatures are the result of climate change and the recent resurgence of the phenomenon El Nino.
“Exposure to excessive heat has a wide range of health implications, often amplifying medical history and leading to premature death and disability,” said Dr.r Tedros.
He also explained that the organization he leads, in collaboration with the UN Meteorological Agency (WMO), helps countries to develop health action plans against heat, in particular to help them to prepare better and reduce the health effects of excessive heat.
And “we are working with the WMO to set up an early warning system”, added the director of the department responsible for public health and environment issues at the WHO, DD Maria Neira.
Extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heatstroke or even death, with some populations particularly vulnerable.
The DD Neira said the WHO is particularly concerned about people with cardiovascular disease, diabetes or asthma — especially as the heat can lead to spikes in air pollution, as well as that of children , pregnant women and the elderly.
The WHO official explained that authorities – whether national or local – need to have “very strong” systems in place to ensure that they can immediately detect anyone who may be at risk.
“Obviously hospitals need to have a system in place to prepare,” she said.
She also stressed that the authorities should advise people not to be outdoors in hot weather, to avoid outdoor sports, to stay in cool places, to take care of vulnerable people and to monitor the appearance of possible warning signs of serious accidents such as dehydration.
According to the WMO, repeated high night temperatures are particularly dangerous for human health, because the body cannot recover from continuous high heat. This leads to an increase in heart attacks and deaths.
Beyond these measures, the DD Neira underlined the importance of fighting against global warming: “we must also, in the medium and long term, decarbonize our society”.