WHO urges stronger heat safety measures at mass gatherings

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on governments and event organisers to strengthen measures against heat-related illnesses at mass gatherings, warning that extreme heat is becoming an increasing threat to public health and safety.

It stated that more than 90 per cent of patients can be treated at event venues when adequate medical systems are available, reducing pressure on nearby hospitals and ambulance services.
The call was made on Wednesday, 30 September, 2026, following the release of a new WHO evidence review on the prevention and management of heat-related illness at mass gatherings.

The review examined studies published between 1980 and 2025 and recorded nearly 500,000 medical encounters at mass gatherings, including more than 22,000 cases of heat-related illness.

Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, executive director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, said extreme heat should be treated as both a health and operational concern during large events.

“Extreme heat is an increasing threat to health, safety and operational continuity in mass gatherings,” Ihekweazu said.

He added that relying only on individuals to protect themselves from heat would not be enough, stressing the need for proper risk assessment, preparedness and response by event organisers and authorities.

WHO noted that mass gatherings can increase exposure to heat through prolonged outdoor activities, crowded spaces, limited access to drinking water, travel-related stress and pressure on local health services.

The organisation also cited estimates showing that heat-related deaths have increased by 63 per cent since the 1990s, with an average of 546,000 deaths recorded annually between 2012 and 2021.

To reduce the risks, WHO recommended that event organisers provide safe drinking water and toilets, cooling facilities, adjustments to event schedules, proper crowd-flow management and protection for workers.

It also highlighted the need for public communication, real-time monitoring of heat-related risks and well-prepared medical services at event venues.

The new guidance is designed for spectators, attendees, volunteers and workers and covers the planning, operation and response stages of mass gatherings.

WHO urged governments, event organisers and other partners to make heat-risk management part of their health and emergency preparedness plans as extreme heat continues to intensify in many parts of the world.