UN Raises Alarm Over El Niño's Global Impact

Sep 22, 2026

79 min

Sep 22, 2026 14:30

Disease, hunger and extreme heat: UN sounds alarm over El Niño

## Health and Environmental Concerns

The United Nations has issued a warning about the escalating effects of El Niño, which is intensifying worldwide. This climate phenomenon is expected to exacerbate health issues such as malnutrition, cholera, and mosquito-borne diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the severe risks in regions where droughts, floods, and extreme heat intersect with fragile health systems and food insecurity.

## Impact on Food and Water Security

The WHO reports that over 150 million people are already facing acute food insecurity, a number likely to rise due to disrupted rainfall and extreme weather affecting food production. Additionally, changing weather patterns could increase the prevalence of diseases like malaria and dengue, as conditions become more favorable for mosquitoes.

## Extreme Weather and Health Risks

Heavy rains and flooding can lead to mosquito breeding and water contamination, raising cholera risks. Droughts worsen food shortages and limit access to clean water. Extreme heat poses further threats, particularly to those with pre-existing health conditions or limited access to medical care.

## Future Outlook

As El Niño is expected to peak towards the end of 2026, the Southern Hemisphere will enter its hottest season in early 2027, heightening risks of drought and wildfires. The World Meteorological Organization predicts El Niño will persist through February 2027, with ongoing impacts on global weather patterns.

## Call for Preparedness

The WHO urges governments to strengthen health systems, improve disease surveillance, and ensure the availability of medical supplies in vulnerable areas. This proactive approach is crucial to mitigate the potential crises posed by El Niño's effects.

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