The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe has called on countries, cities, and regions to strengthen Heat–Health Action Plans (HHAPs) to better protect populations from the growing health risks posed by extreme heat.
The guidance highlights that extreme heat is no longer a rare seasonal event but a persistent public health threat intensified by climate change. Rising temperatures are placing increasing pressure on health systems, infrastructure, and vulnerable populations across the European region.
WHO warns that while heat can affect everyone, certain groups face significantly higher risks, including older adults, infants, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, migrants, and individuals with limited access to housing, healthcare, or cooling resources.
Heat–Health Action Plans are designed to coordinate preparedness, early warning systems, and emergency response measures across sectors. These plans aim to reduce heat-related illness and deaths by improving communication, strengthening health system readiness, and guiding public behavior during extreme weather events.
Although many countries have already introduced such systems, WHO notes that several still lack structured plans, leaving populations exposed to preventable health risks. The organization’s updated guidance is intended to help both new and existing programs improve their effectiveness and coverage.
The new framework builds on international commitments, including the 2023 Budapest Declaration on Environment and Health and the United Nations’ global call for action on extreme heat issued in 2024. WHO has also emphasized that climate change has transformed heatwaves into a recurring and escalating health emergency.
Alongside policy recommendations, WHO is promoting public awareness through its #KeepCool campaign, which encourages simple protective actions such as staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activity during peak heat hours, keeping indoor spaces cool, and checking on vulnerable individuals.
Health officials stress that coordinated action between governments, healthcare systems, and communities is essential to reducing the impact of extreme heat. With heatwaves becoming more frequent and severe, WHO emphasizes that proactive planning is critical to saving lives and protecting public health in an increasingly warming world.
