A warming of the central to eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, El Niño 2015-2016 is affecting more than 60 million people, particularly in eastern and southern Africa, the Horn of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Severe drought and associated food insecurity, flooding, rains, and temperature rises due to El Niño are causing a wide range of health problems, including disease outbreaks, malnutrition, heat stress and respiratory diseases.
Although adverse weather effects of El Niño are expected to subside by mid-2016, the health impacts are expected to last throughout 2016 and beyond. Urgent attention is needed now. WHO and partners are working closely to support nearly 30 countries to prepare and respond to this El Niño event, but significant funding gaps must be closed to prevent avoidable deaths and illnesses.
Of US$ 3.6 billion required for the humanitarian response to El Niño, the health sector needs nearly US$ 460 million. WHO requires US$ 51 million to provide urgent healthcare.
La Niña may follow in the second half of 2016, causing further extreme conditions and more health problems. Regardless of El Niño and La Niña, WHO urges countries to prepare for all climate risks.
WHO/Y Shimizu
Rising temperatures and more variable rainfall patterns can often reduce crop yields, compromising food security.
WHO/C Black
Drought conditions are occurring in Central America, eastern and southern Africa, Papua New Guinea and Pacific Island Countries.
WHO
El Niño conditions can cause a wide range of health problems, including disease outbreaks, malnutrition, heat stress, and respiratory diseases.
WHO/A Craggs
The risk of communicable diseases increases when there is limited access to food, water, and sanitation.
WHO/Y Shimizu
With nearly 1.5 million people affected by El Niño in Papua New Guinea, WHO and partners are providing water and medical supplies to ensure health facilities can continue to deliver life-saving services.
WHO/D Rodriguez
Above-average rainfall caused by El Niño can also cause floods and increase diseases spread by mosquitoes, such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya and the Zika virus.
WHO/Y Shimizu
To protect people from mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue, WHO and partners distribute mosquito nets.
WHO/M Kokic
Engaging communities on the health impacts of climate change before they occur can help them understand the risks so that they can take measures to protect their health.
WHO/C Black
WHO continues to monitor and respond to the effects of climate change in order to help governments prepare and respond to health needs.
WHO/Y Shimizu
WHO and partners are working closely to support nearly 30 countries as they respond to the health effects of El Niño. To provide lifesaving healthcare, the health sector requires nearly US$ 460 million.
