Extreme heat straining health systems: WHO
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Millions of people across three continents are enduring a sustained spell of dangerous heat.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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GENEVA - The extreme heat in the Northern Hemisphere is putting an increasing strain on healthcare systems, hitting those least able to cope the hardest, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Wednesday.
The WHO said the heat often worsens pre-existing conditions,
Millions of people across three continents are enduring a sustained spell of dangerous heat on Wednesday as the mercury continues to soar.
“Extreme heat takes the greatest toll on those least able to manage its consequences, such as older people, infants and children, and the poor and homeless,” said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“It also puts increased pressure on health systems,” he told a press conference.
“Exposure to excessive heat has wide-ranging impacts for health, often amplifying pre-existing conditions and resulting in premature death and disability.”
He added that the WHO was working with the World Meteorological Organisation, its fellow Geneva-based United Nations agency, to support countries in developing hot-weather action plans to coordinate preparedness and reduce the impacts of excessive heat on health. AFP
