Knowledge of the health risks of climate change needed for health professionals, Kuwait as an example

Document Type : Review Articles

Authors

1 Center for Health and the Global Environment, University of Washington

2 Kuwait Ministry of Health, Environmental Health Department

Abstract

Background:
The hazards associated with a changing climate are adversely affecting human health and well-being. As the evidence mounts, it is critically important to incorporate understanding of these risks into education for health professionals, to ensure they can effectively prepare for and manage changing risks to population health and healthcare infrastructure.
The risks are illustrated using Kuwait as an example. Kuwait is one of the hottest and driest regions worldwide, making it particularly vulnerable to our changing climate, with rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns increasing drought and dust, exacerbating already high levels of water stress; increases in the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves and other extreme weather and climate events; and sea level rise.
Methods:
To illustrate the knowledge needed by health professionals, a narrative review was undertaken of climatic changes in Kuwait and the consequences for human health and well-being, based on a comprehensive search of publications about climate change and health in Kuwait through March 2025.
Results:
Key climate-sensitive health outcomes in Kuwait include heat stress and mortality, undernutrition, infectious diseases, and other climate-sensitive health outcomes. The risks are expected to increase with each additional unit of warming.
 
Discussion:
Educating health professions about the magnitude and pattern of current and likely future risks, and of options to increase preparedness, is needed to increase health system resilience to a changing climate.

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Main Subjects

Journal of Health Professions Education and Innovation
Volume 2, Issue 4
November 2025
Pages 16-20

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