The United Nations warns that an upcoming “super” El Niño cycle poses a significant threat to global health. The UN says the phenomenon is predicted to be the most intense on record, prompting health concerns as countries brace for climate shocks that can drive disease and strain health services.
El Niño is linked to warming surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. Outlets report that it can raise the likelihood of higher temperatures and extreme conditions, including drought and widespread flooding, with impacts already being felt across regions such as parts of Central America through to Indonesia. The World Health Organization warns that heavy rain can create favourable conditions for water-borne diseases such as cholera and for disease-carrying insects, especially mosquitoes.
WHO officials also warn that the worst effects occur where climate shocks intersect with weak health systems and limited access to healthcare, alongside factors such as food insecurity, displacement and humanitarian crises. The World Meteorological Organization previously forecasts this El Niño as the strongest since similar records began around four decades ago, with climate effects expected to continue into 2027. While El Niño is not caused by climate change, scientists say it may amplify conditions on a warming planet and intensify weather extremes.
