2023-12-14 09:05:00
Scientific evidence demonstrates the influence of thermal extremes on health; both the influence of extreme heat and cold on health has a direct impact on morbidity and mortality.
Therefore, the need to establish and develop specific public health preventive plans to mitigate the effects of low temperatures on the health of the population is evident. This need is manifested in the Strategic Health and Environment Planprepared by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, which establishes among its actions the development and implementation of a National Plan for preventive actions due to low temperatures with the aim of reducing the impact on the health of the population associated with low temperatures.
This National Plan for preventive actions due to low temperatures establishes recommendations to reduce the health effects associated with low temperatures, as well as measures to coordinate the State Administration institutions involved. Likewise, it proposes actions that can be carried out by the Autonomous Communities and/or the Local Administration.
Likewise, certain actions are established for prevention and control, structured into several levels of action according to the level of risk reached as a result of the drop in temperatures.
In addition, it proposes the collection of predictive information on environmental temperature and daily information on quantitative changes in mortality and establishes the criteria of the information system that allows active surveillance of the risks associated with exposure to low temperatures.
For the proper functioning of this National Plan, it is necessary to have advanced meteorological information systems, which provide essential information in order to anticipate the possible health effects derived from exposure to low temperatures. Simultaneously, the execution of a Mortality Information and Analysis System will allow adequate monitoring of daily mortality for the rapid detection of other health problems.
Something fundamental in this Plan is the involvement with Social Services, since among the most vulnerable groups are the elderly. The participation of Administrations, both at the central, regional and local levels, of organizations and, above all, raising awareness and supporting the most sensitive groups, is essential to avoid possible harm to the population to a greater extent. Another essential element is information to citizens, the highest risk groups and health and social services professionals.
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