Pakistan goes through such extreme and drastic changes in weather that it directly affects the health of people in the country. From unbearable summers to hazardous winters and monsoon floods, these climatic variations are the root of public health hazard sources, which deal with millions of citizens’ lives.
Summer Heat and Heatstroke
Pakistan is known for its summer temperatures around 45°C, the heat in places like Jacobabad and Sukkur being among the highest in the world. The extreme heat causes a lot of fatalities, especially among those with a weaker immune system or those at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder, such as the elderly, the children, and the outdoor laborers. Symptoms of heat-related diseases are numerous, with heatstroke standing out as the most severe case, which is a result of the failure of the body’s thermoregulation mechanism. There are also chronic cases of dehydration in thousands of cases every year, in addition to a higher incidence of dermatological conditions due to excessive exposure to the sun. To avoid succumbing to such illnesses, maintaining a normal body hydration level, staying away from the sun in the middle of the day, and wearing light clothes should be the solutions employed by the public.
Winter Smog and Breathing Problems
Every year, Northern Punjab cities are enveloped in an air pollution crisis caused by the winter season. During this time, smog, a combination of industrial waste, car fumes, and agricultural burns, releases a toxic cover that stays for quite some time in these urban areas. This pollution triggers a vast range of respiratory problems. The residents not only experience a chronic cough but also suffer from severe inflammation of the throat and eyes. The fatality rate from an asthma attack or for a heart patient is increased for those individuals who are already having those health conditions. Using applicable air filtration masks, which are effective for respiratory health, is the way to avoid getting exposed to pollution outdoors during the peak of pollution in the streets.
Rainy Season and Mosquito Diseases
Profound water resources and the opportunity for disease vectors to multiply around are the dual-faced gifts that monsoon rain is to the community. These highly favorable breeding grounds facilitate the rapid reproduction of the dengue fever-carrying mosquitoes and malaria parasites, thus causing the contraction of these diseases. Furthermore, the disrupted sanitation system that arises when the heavy rains come down from above is a major cause of the many waterborne diseases, which subsequently lead to illnesses like gastroenteritis. Such diseases, as well as the health of the community in general, are a function of maintaining a proper drainage system and the elimination of all stagnant water sites around the community.
Building Climate Resilience
Weather patterns in Pakistan directly influence public health outcomes throughout the year. Understanding these connections enables individuals and communities to implement effective protective measures. Simple awareness and preparation can significantly reduce weather-related health risks for families across the country.