Peru buys dengue vaccines, prepares for El Niño health risks
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The Peruvian Ministry of Health (Minsa) is purchasing one million dengue vaccines and preparing temporary hospitals in anticipation of health risks linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon.
Minister Luis Dyer announced the vaccine purchase and stated that 25% of the planned dengue vaccination coverage has already been completed. The Minsa is also working to ensure hospitals and health centers have enough medication, and is setting up field hospitals to handle potential emergencies.
The warm temperatures and rains expected with El Niño will likely increase mosquito breeding grounds and the spread of dengue fever. The Minsa is prioritizing dengue prevention alongside efforts to protect the population from heatstroke, with forecasts suggesting temperatures could reach 45°C. Authorities advise people to stay hydrated and limit sun exposure, especially children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.
The government has identified 1,800 locations at risk of disaster and is currently intervening in 536 of them, completing 70% of the planned work. They are also preparing emergency shelters and food supplies, particularly for communities in northern Peru. Minister Dyer acknowledged that the scale of this El Niño event could exceed previous occurrences and strain the country’s response capabilities.
