Health plan aims to counter effects of climate change
Health care should evolve to accommodate a changing climate and an increased risk of associated diseases, officials said as they laid out a blueprint for future services. The Ministry of Health and Prevention has identified six areas of climate-related concern as priorities in future planning for health services. They include heat-related illnesses, heart and respiratory diseases and vector-borne…
Health officials have unveiled a comprehensive plan to address the growing impact of climate change on public health. The Ministry of Health and Prevention has prioritized six key areas: heat-related illnesses, heart and respiratory diseases, vector-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria, waterborne and foodborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and norovirus, as well as mental health concerns linked to climate change.
World records were set in 2024, with the hottest year on record and temperatures surpassing 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This has increased the risk of heat exhaustion and strain on the heart and lungs. The new plan, developed with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and health authorities, aims to integrate health and environmental policies more closely.
Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, emphasized the need to anticipate health risks due to changing climate conditions. The plan focuses on preventing diseases before they occur, implementing early warning systems, and preparing healthcare facilities for disruptions. Resilient medical supplies, coordinated emergency plans, and training for healthcare professionals in managing climate-related illnesses are integral components.
Experts predict that warming temperatures could lead to more vector-borne diseases, putting additional strain on healthcare systems. In 2024 and 2025, deaths related to dengue fever in Europe and North America reached alarming levels, while malaria deaths climbed from 598,000 in 2023 to 610,000 in 2024. Dr. Gopal Chawla, a pulmonologist, noted that climate change is increasingly impacting respiratory health, with worsening symptoms during extreme weather and poor air quality.
AI-driven models could play a crucial role in predicting patient admissions, resource allocation, and emergency preparedness by analyzing environmental data, weather patterns, disease surveillance, and clinical records. Dr. Muhammed Aslam, another pulmonologist, stressed the importance of prevention, early detection, and public awareness alongside treatment, advocating for optimizing asthma and COPD management, promoting vaccinations, and educating patients about air-quality alerts.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
