How Hospitals Are Dealing With Climate Change Challenges

October 15, 2024 | Source: DW | by Rachel Nduati

In recent weeks, heavy rainfall in northeastern Nigeria submerged entire residential areas, displacing tens of thousands of people, destroying farmland and businesses and spreading waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and malaria.

But, as hospitals face a humanitarian crisis in the wake of that flooding, heavy rains have also hampered access to health facilities or even put them out of commission entirely. A major dam burst flooded several hospitals, forcing some to suspend operations, in what authorities say was one of the worst weather events in 30 years.

Nigerian hospitals aren’t the only ones seeing challenges connected to extreme weather fueled by climate change. In August, wildfires engulfed towns and villages across the Attica region of Greece near Athens, forcing the evacuation of hospitals.