GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – In a recent announcement, the World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled fresh guidelines aimed at minimizing heat-related health issues during large-scale events around the globe. These recommendations target significant sporting, religious, and cultural gatherings, considering the health risks faced by spectators, participants, volunteers, and personnel exposed to extended heat exposure. An extensive review of evidence, covering studies from 1980 to 2025, revealed nearly 500,000 medical encounters at mass gatherings, with over 22,000 cases involving heat-related illnesses.
According to the review, on-site medical services at event locations can effectively manage most cases without requiring hospital transfers. When organizers have well-established medical facilities on-site, over 90% of patients can be treated at the venue itself. This strategy alleviates the burden on local hospitals and ambulance services. These findings are part of a comprehensive package designed for governments, organizers, and health authorities, combining research insights with practical tools to evaluate and address heat risks both before and during major events.
Since the 1990s, heat-related mortality has risen by approximately 63%, the guidance indicates. Between 2012 and 2021, an average of 546,000 heat-related deaths occurred annually. Crowded environments and outdoor activities in high temperatures can heighten exposure, especially when people spend prolonged periods outdoors. Additional factors such as limited water availability, restricted mobility, and travel-related stress can further increase health risks. The surge in demand for health services can also complicate medical responses during large-scale gatherings.
Incorporating heat preparedness into event management
WHO’s guidance advocates for the provision of accessible drinking water, sufficient sanitation facilities, and cooling infrastructure at event sites. It emphasizes the importance of adjusting schedules, improving crowd management, and implementing protective measures for staff. Organizers are encouraged to incorporate public messaging, real-time health monitoring, and well-prepared medical services into their planning processes. WHO stresses that heat safety measures should encompass the entire event rather than rely solely on individual actions. The design of venues, transportation options, security protocols, and sanitation facilities all influence access to cooling and medical treatment.
This new framework includes comprehensive reviews, a manual for implementation, and a dedicated tool for heat-risk assessment. It also offers resources to craft evidence-based public health messages during periods of extreme heat. The assessment tool allows structured, repeatable evaluations before and during events. The broader framework addresses preparation, impact mitigation, and post-event recovery, and can be integrated with existing emergency plans, occupational safety standards, and national heat-health strategies.
Evidence supports proactive heat safety measures
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has observed an increase in the frequency and intensity of hot extremes across most land regions since the 1950s. Elevated temperatures place additional strain on health systems, especially when large groups gather outdoors or in crowded settings. Vulnerable populations such as the elderly, individuals with chronic health conditions, and those engaged in physical activity are at heightened risk. Additionally, workers and volunteers often spend extended durations outside while providing security, transportation, medical, or logistical support.
The guidance views heat management as an integral part of broader public health and emergency preparedness strategies for mass gatherings. It encourages authorities and organizers to continually assess conditions throughout the event lifecycle and coordinate health protection efforts with operational planning. These measures are applicable to various types and sizes of gatherings, including international sports competitions, festivals, and religious events. The package emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and on-site care, while also supporting existing national systems for heat-related health responses, emergency management, and clinical care.