El Niño

El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon that raises temperatures and alters rainfall patterns, making some parts of the world drier and others wetter. The 2026-27 El Niño is the strongest on record. 

El Niño can amplify health risks from extreme heat, drought, flooding and other climate-related hazards, increasing food and water insecurity, malnutrition, displacement, and the risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases such as cholera and dengue. The greatest impacts are expected where these hazards overlap with weak health systems, conflict, displacement, existing outbreaks and other humanitarian needs. 

WHO is supporting countries through risk assessment and early warning, preparedness, protection of essential health services, supplies and logistics, community protection, and emergency coordination.