Health minister outlines preventive measures amid rising heat wave.

The minister also advised people to seek medical attention in case of any complications.

“…considering the harmful effects of this climate change on health, the Minister of Public Health reminds populations, including healthy people, of the usefulness adopting preventive measures in the event of extreme heat,” the minister said. 

In order to stay healthy during this period, he advised that people should adopt preventive actions such as drinking enough water throughout the day; avoiding intense physical activities during the hottest hours; staying under shades and wearing light and loose clothing.

The public health boss also proposed the use of “fans or air conditioning if possible, to cool down; monitor vulnerable people, such as the elderly, the sick and children”.

He equally called on the population wet their bodies regularly, ventilate homes early in the morning and at night and to “avoid consuming alcohol, as it can increase dehydration”.

According to the health boss, warning signs to recognise during this period are: cramps; headaches; nausea; unusual fatigue. 

Minister Manaouda equally added that signs of dehydration in a person within this period include; intense thirst; reduced urine production; dark urine; dry mouth; dry skin and loss of elasticity.

According to the member of government, there is need for the population to watch out against climate change effects with focus on analysis for the months of March, April and May 2024. 

He said the expert analysis from the National Observatory on Climate Change, NOCC, which reveals a high probability of temperatures above historical regional averages in eight of the country’s ten regions is an issue to take seriously. 

The affected regions the minister said include; the Far North, North, Centre, East, South, North West, Littoral and South West regions.