The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has announced « the implementation of a series of urgent measures to address the health effects of the high heat wave affecting the country, based on bulletins issued by the National Meteorology Directorate, which confirmed an increase in temperatures in certain regions. »
In a statement, the ministry specified that « the on-call system has been activated in health facilities in areas experiencing a rise in temperatures, with the mobilization of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and ambulance drivers. Additionally, necessary medications and medical supplies have been made available to provide the required care. »
The statement adds that « the ministry urges citizens to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from the health damages associated with rising temperatures, particularly the most vulnerable groups, namely children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses. »
The ministry recommends « drinking sufficient amounts of water regularly to avoid dehydration » and « hydrating the body regularly with water, especially the face and arms. » It also advises « avoiding going out during periods of high heat, between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., staying in cool places, avoiding intense physical activities, keeping homes cool by closing windows during the day and opening them in the evening, and consulting a doctor in case of health problems or regular treatments. »
The same source emphasizes the importance of « paying attention to symptoms that may result from excessive heat exposure, such as an increase in body temperature (fever), pale skin, cramps in the limbs and abdominal muscles, intense thirst or weight loss, headaches, nausea, especially when these symptoms reach the stage of unconsciousness. » It adds that « if any of these symptoms appear, one should immediately go to the nearest health facility. »
The statement concludes by emphasizing that « the Ministry of Health and Social Protection stresses the importance of adhering to the issued guidelines to protect public health and ensure everyone’s safety during the period of high heat. »
