The Pan American Health Organization published an analysis on the possible impacts of the El Niño 2026-2027 phenomenon on public health. The document examines how extreme climate events, such as droughts, floods and heat waves, could influence the health of populations, health services and other key determinants of health.
In addition, it presents recommendations to strengthen countries’ preparation and response to possible climate scenarios. Given this, Meteored It presents this information first-hand to you to take your precautions and prepare yourself and your family.
Seasonal forecasts indicate an increased likelihood of above-normal temperatures across much of the Americas, accompanied by regionally varying rainfall, including an increased risk of drought in areas of Central America, the Caribbean and South America, and increased rainfall.
Experience from previous El Niño events, including 2023-2024, demonstrates the potential for significant impacts on food security, water availability, livelihoods, public health and critical infrastructure.
El Niño and vector diseases
Climate anomalies related to El Niño may contribute to an increased risk of vector-borne, water-borne, and food-borne heat-related illnesses.
As well as respiratory impacts associated with forest fires, food insecurity, displacement and disruptions in health services, particularly among populations already affected by poverty, as well as migration, displacement or limited access to essential services.
The analysis analyzes the main public health risks associated with certain climate scenarios, including cholera and other waterborne diseases, as well as vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, Zika and chikungunya.
Secondly, with respect to non-communicable diseases, the possible impacts of thermal stress and the increase in respiratory conditions associated with forest fires and the degradation of air quality are studied.
And mental health is not left out, since the document indicates that fphenomena such as displacement, loss of livelihoods and other impacts related to climate emergencies such as the aftermath of tornadoes, hurricanes and other phenomena can increase the needs for psychosocial support and mental health.
Social and urban vulnerability
From the perspective of infrastructure and services, the vulnerability of health facilities to structural damage is assessed. Specifically, Emergency hospitals that may be exposed to coastal flooding risks are analyzed related to sea level rise.
It is also requested to analyze and prevent interruptions in the supply chains of medicines, supplies and other essential resources for care.
Maternal and neonatal health
Meanwhile, regarding the determinants of health, the document also analyzes specific populations. For maternal and neonatal health, it focuses on the risks that pregnant women and newborns may face when extreme weather events affect access to safe water, health services, and emergency obstetric care.
Regarding malnutrition, the analysis examines how phenomena such as crop failure, food insecurity and disruptions to livelihoods could particularly affect vulnerable groups, including children under 5 years of age.
The analysis of the public health situation regarding the El Niño phenomenon (2026-2027) also recommends that health authorities and governments strengthen various preparation and response measures.
The importance of a good public health system
These include strengthening epidemiological surveillance to facilitate early detection of climate-sensitive diseases. and monitoring the nutritional status of vulnerable populations, as well as promoting the integration of climate and health information to improve the early identification of health risks.
The document highlights the importance of ensuring access to safe water and sanitation services, particularly in areas exposed to flooding or prolonged periods of drought. It also highlights the need for strengthen the preparation of health systems to maintain continuity of essential services during climate emergencies.
