The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released new guidance to help governments and event organisers prevent and manage heat-related illnesses during major sporting, religious and cultural gatherings.
WHO said the guidance was based on evidence showing that most heat-related illnesses at mass gatherings could be prevented or treated at event venues when adequate risk assessment, preparedness and response measures were in place.
Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, said extreme heat was an increasing threat to health, safety and the smooth operation of large gatherings.
Ihekweazu said mass gatherings could increase heat risks through prolonged outdoor exposure, crowded conditions, limited access to safe water, travel-related stress and unfamiliar climatic conditions. He added that heat-related deaths had increased by an estimated 63 per cent since the 1990s, while climate change was contributing to more frequent and intense heat extremes.
The new WHO resources recommend measures including access to safe drinking water and toilets, cooling facilities, adjustments to event schedules, effective crowd-flow management, workforce protection, public communication and real-time health surveillance. The guidance also emphasises well-prepared on-site medical services.
WHO said its whole-of-event approach recognises that factors including venue design, transportation, security, communication, water and sanitation can affect people’s access to cooling and medical care. The guidance covers the entire event cycle and complements national heat-health action plans, occupational safety requirements and emergency preparedness arrangements.
Ihekweazu urged governments, event organisers and partners to incorporate heat-risk management into planning and operations for mass gatherings, particularly as extreme heat continues to pose growing risks to public health.
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