Ministry of Health raises alarm over the phenomenon of the child: these are the measures that hospitals should adopt

The Colombian Ministry of Health and Protection has issued new guidelines aimed at strengthening the country's healthcare system in preparation for potential impacts linked to the El Niño phenomenon for the 2026–2027 period. The measures were outlined in a joint external circular published on August 29, 2026, which urges regional entities, health service providers, insurance companies, and other stakeholders to enhance their readiness, coordination, and response capabilities. The ministry warned of risks associated with rising temperatures, reduced rainfall, possible water shortages, heatwaves, wildfires, and declining air quality. These conditions could place additional strain on the healthcare system and pose particular dangers to vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities. The government’s concerns stem from the high probability of El Niño-related events occurring during the second half of 2026 and into 2027. According to the ministry, these environmental changes could lead to water scarcity, increased health risks due to extreme heat, and complications related to droughts and food and water consumption. The circular emphasizes the need for proactive steps to mitigate the effects of these challenges on public health. It calls for strengthened contingency planning at the local level, enhanced epidemiological surveillance, and continuous monitoring of climate-sensitive events. Health institutions are being asked to update their emergency preparedness plans and maintain daily reports on their capacity to handle potential disruptions in medical services. Hospitals must ensure they have adequate staffing, medications, supplies, clean water, backup systems, and other resources necessary to respond effectively to emergencies. The ministry also highlights the importance of collaboration between the health sector, disaster risk management authorities, and other relevant agencies. Regional governments are required to work closely with Risk Management Councils and keep Environmental Risk Analysis Rooms active. Public health laboratories should be reinforced, and community outreach efforts through Basic Health Teams and mobile units should continue to raise awareness and detect early signs of health threats. In addition to institutional preparations, the ministry has urged citizens to take preventive actions. Recommendations include staying hydrated, consuming safe drinking water, avoiding prolonged sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., using sunscreen even when not directly exposed to sunlight, and eliminating containers that can serve as mosquito breeding grounds. Proper storage of water and food is emphasized, along with maintaining up-to-date vaccination schedules. People are advised to watch for warning signs such as confusion, dizziness, weakness, hot and dry skin, or elevated body temperature, which could indicate heat-related illness. The ministry’s directive comes amid growing concern over the intensity of this year’s El Niño cycle. Officials have noted that the current phenomenon appears to be among the strongest recorded, with the potential to cause widespread disruption. Climate experts warn that the combination of higher temperatures and lower precipitation levels could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, particularly in regions already facing resource constraints. The health sector is preparing for an increase in cases related to dehydration, heatstroke, respiratory issues caused by poor air quality, and diseases transmitted by mosquitoes or contaminated water. Authorities stress that the measures outlined in the circular are designed to ensure continuity of care and reduce the burden on hospitals during periods of heightened demand. They emphasize the need for ongoing communication and coordination between all sectors involved in public health. As the El Niño phenomenon continues to unfold, the effectiveness of these preparedness strategies will be closely monitored to assess their ability to protect the population against emerging health risks.