The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to launch an early warning system for sand and dust storms (SDS) with a focus on protecting residents, especially those with respiratory conditions. Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of the Department of Public Health and Prevention at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, revealed this development during an interview at COP28 in Expo City Dubai.

The SDS early warning system aligns with the UAE's climate adaptation program, emphasizing a people-centric approach. Dr. Al Marzouqi highlighted that the impact-based SDS warnings will empower individuals with pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases to take immediate preventive actions upon receiving alerts.

Despite the UAE's robust medical system, there has been a recent spike in respiratory cases, prompting collaboration with health partners, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority to implement the SDS early warning system. Dr. Al Marzouqi stressed the importance of providing advance notice to individuals susceptible to respiratory issues, enabling them to take necessary precautions.

Acknowledging sand and dust storms as global concerns, Dr. Al Marzouqi emphasized the interconnectedness of health and climate change. She noted the adverse health impacts stemming from rising global temperatures and applauded the COP28 Presidency and the World Health Organization for the 'COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health.' This declaration, signed by 123 countries, aims to build more climate-resilient health systems, foster collaboration for emissions reduction, and increase financing for climate and health solutions.

Dr. Al Marzouqi concluded by affirming that health must be at the center of climate change discussions, highlighting the significance of developing climate-resilient, sustainable, and equitable health systems globally.

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