CURRENT HEALTH PROBLEMS IN BOTSWANA:

HEATWAVE AND ASSOCIATED HEALTH EFFECTS

MOLEFHI MADUMETSENAMETSEGO KOOTSWETSE

Definition

A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity

Temperatures that people from a hotter climate consider normal can be termed a heat wave in a cooler area if they are outside the normal climate pattern for that area

How it occurs

In the summer in warm climates, an area of high pressure with little or no rain or clouds, the air and ground easily heats to excess. A static high pressure area can impose a very persistent heat wave.

IN THE REST OF AFRICA

This extreme heat wave affected Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. All-time absolute maximum temperatures were recorded in Harare (98.1°F/36.7°C) and Bulawayo (101.3°F/38.5°C), Zimbabwe; Livingston (106.3°F/41.3°C), Zambia; and Francistown, Botswana 107.8°F (42.1°C) .

Heatwave in Botswana

The country has been experiencing a heat wave since Sunday 23 October, 2011, with day time temperatures reaching 42 degrees centigrade

The heat waves pose an increased health risk and may impact differently on the health of individuals:

as a result of such high temperatures, individuals experience heat cramps, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and severe sunburns

Other Health effects

The high temperatures may also lead to complications of chronic diseases such as Hypertension, Asthma, Respiratory illness, and many more, which has also proved to be one of the major health problems in Botswana during the past years.

This excessive heat has the likelihood of evoking occasional thunderstorms and even fresh veld fires

Besides potential human causalities, the fear is that Botswana has already lost over 3 million hectares of land this year to veld fires which continue to be a major challenge in the country’s forest and range resources management, with a looming heat wave, the country could lose a few more hectares.

What is being done so far? public notices- the public is being advised to:Regularly drink plenty of fluids or waterWear sunhats or umbrellas and avoid exposure to excessive sunshineAvoid drinks with alcohol or caffeineNEVER leave children or pets alone in closed vehiclesStay indoors as much as possibleDress appropriately; wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-coloured

clothing that covers as much skin as possibleAvoid extreme temperature changesTake frequent breaks if working outdoorsAvoid strenuous activitiesThese public notices are everywhere including networks such as

facebook

What is being done so far?

“Our Public Health Facilities are on high alert and will provide the necessary care and support for the management of heat related conditions“.

The Ministry continues to closely monitor the situation.

Referenceshttp://www.moh.gov.bw/templates/moh/File/2

011/October/Add%20_2_%20_2_.pdfhttp://gabzfmnews.wordpress.com/2011/10/2

6/heat-wave-may-affect-those-with-chronic-diseases/

http://www.gov.bw/en/News/Heat-wave/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_wave