Türkiye’s National Medical Rescue Team responds to devastating wildfires

Even far away from the blaze, smoke from wildfires can contribute to higher exposures to air pollution.

The fine particles in smoke can penetrate deep into lung passageways and enter the bloodstream.

This can result in long-term cardiovascular and breathing issues.

“This year, we’ve seen more fire incidents compared to previous years,” said Dr Şükrü Yorulmaz, Head of the Disaster and Emergency Management Department at Türkiye’s Ministry of Health. “However, thanks to the experience we have gained as a country and the measures taken by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the fires were swiftly responded to and brought under control in a very short period of time. As the Ministry, during this process, we, particularly as UMKE, immediately took our place in the field alongside both our firefighting teams and other rescue teams as soon as the incident occurred. We took the necessary measures to protect the health of our citizens and workers, providing all necessary medical assistance on-site.”

Member States of the European Region – encompassing Europe and central Asia – have committed to prioritizing the health impacts of climate change via the landmark Budapest Declaration reached last year, through which governments and health partners spell out a number of specific measures that can be taken. The climate/health nexus is a key pillar of WHO/Europe’s work in support of Member States going forward.