DoH, WHO Philippines bare El Niño action plan

When United Nations agencies in the Philippines bared their action plan for the Very Strong El Niño during a press briefing on 22 October in Makati City, the representative of World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines said a health-sector anticipatory action, preparedness and response plan was jointly developed with the Department of Health (DoH).

The plan was designed to preempt El Niño’s worst health impacts instead of acting after drought, extreme heat, water shortages, or disease outbreaks have already escalated. It aligns with the government-wide El Niño Action Plan and the Philippines’ new anticipatory-action approach under the Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Act.

Unlike a conventional disaster response, the plan uses forecasts and pre-defined triggers to release preparations early — such as prepositioning supplies, activating coordination teams, issuing heat and water-safety advisories, and readying referral systems — before a crisis fully develops.

Under the plan that aims to protect primarily children, older people and people with chronic illnesses during drought, heat, water insecurity and possible power interruptions, the two agencies will intensify monitoring of heat-related illnesses, water quality, food safety, and disease trends, with weekly epidemiological analysis and rapid public advisories, according to the Philippine Information Agency.

The DoH and WHO Philippines will also update hazard-specific health contingency plans, health-facility readiness plans, referral arrangements, and continuity-of-essential-services plans; and test scenario-based and trigger-based responses.

Climate-resilient infrastructure, including backup power, electrical readiness, and passive cooling in health facilities, will be strengthened.

Nutrition commodities will be monitored and redistributed to priority areas, hospital and medical supplies will be secured, and care for patients with chronic conditions will be maintained.

An integrated El Niño health campaign, localized information-and-education sessions, and rapid advisories on avoiding prolonged heat exposure and dehydration will be communicated to the public.

Stronger situation reporting, incident-management-team activation, recovery planning, and after-action review will also be undertaken.

Speaking at the press briefing, Olivia Lawe Davis, deputy representative of WHO Philippines, also gave safety tips during very hot weather.

“Wear light and loose clothing. Take cool showers and baths if you’re able. Drink enough water, particularly during really hot weather. Check on your family members and neighbors, especially those who might be more vulnerable or might have difficulty based on their age, their health conditions, the type of work that they do, or their living conditions. Protect yourself from dengue and vector-borne diseases by avoiding getting bitten if you can, and if you develop signs and symptoms, seek care immediately,” Davis said.

Davis added that the public should stay informed by looking at the advisories from the weather agency Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and the Office of Civil Defense, DoH and other relevant government bodies.