COThe Colombian Ministry of Health and Protection Social, along with the National Institute of Health (INS), has launched a preparedness strategy to address potential effects of the El Niño phenomenon for 2026-2027. The Joint External Circular 023 of 2026 outlines new guidelines for territorial entities, insurers, hospitals, and other stakeholders to strengthen surveillance, prevention, and emergency response capabilities. The strategy aims to anticipate increased temperatures, reduced precipitation, and possible water shortages, which could lead to heatwaves, wildfires, air quality deterioration, and climate-related diseases. Hospitals are required to update their emergency plans, monitor their capacity, and report daily on resource availability and potential disruptions. The ministry emphasizes the need for healthcare institutions to ensure access to human resources, medications, clean water, backup systems, and other essential supplies. Coordination between territorial authorities and risk management councils is also mandated to enhance community awareness, vaccination efforts, and early detection of health risks.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual overview of government actions and institutional guidelines related to disaster preparedness for El Niño. It does not take a partisan stance but rather reports on the official measures being implemented by state agencies. There is no evident ideological leaning in the措
