The World Health Organization (WHO) has stepped up its emergency response to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, warning that the climate event could intensify public health risks worldwide, with India among the countries identified as facing high or very high health risks.
WHO has activated a Grade 3 response, its highest level of emergency response, for the El Niño event covering October 2026 to September 2027. The organisation warned that the phenomenon could contribute to extreme heat, drought, flooding, food insecurity and the spread of climate-sensitive infectious diseases.
According to WHO’s Global Public Health Situation Analysis on El Niño 2026, India is among the countries facing high or very high health risks. South Asia is expected to experience above-normal temperatures and drier-than-usual conditions in parts of the region, raising concerns over heat-related illnesses and water stress.
El Niño itself does not directly cause diseases but can act as a “risk multiplier” by altering temperature and rainfall patterns. These changes can create conditions favourable for the spread of vector-borne and water-related diseases while also placing additional pressure on healthcare systems.
For India, WHO has highlighted several areas of concern, including extreme heat, dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases, leptospirosis, food insecurity and malnutrition. Changes in rainfall and water availability can also affect agriculture and access to safe drinking water.
Extreme heat poses a particular threat to vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, pregnant women, outdoor workers and people with existing health conditions. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, while also worsening cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney and metabolic conditions.
The health agency has also warned that heavy rainfall and flooding in some areas could increase exposure to contaminated water and contribute to the spread of waterborne infections. At the same time, drought and water shortages can encourage households to store water, potentially creating mosquito-breeding sites if containers are not properly covered.
WHO’s global response focuses on early warning and disease surveillance, protecting essential health services, ensuring the availability of medicines and supplies, and improving coordination between health and disaster-management authorities.
The organisation has estimated an initial requirement of around $35 million for the first six months of its El Niño preparedness and response operations.
WHO’s latest warning comes as the World Meteorological Organization has said the 2026 El Niño is exceptionally strong and could continue influencing global temperatures and extreme weather into 2027.
While the impact of El Niño will vary across regions, WHO has stressed the importance of early preparedness, particularly in countries where existing health vulnerabilities could magnify the effects of extreme weather.
