GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated recommendations to help prevent heat-related health issues during large gatherings around the world. These guidelines target key events such as sports competitions, religious festivals, and cultural celebrations. They focus on safeguarding spectators, attendees, volunteers, and workers who face prolonged exposure to high temperatures. An extensive review of evidence shows nearly half a million medical visits at mass gatherings in studies from 1980 through 2025. Over 22,000 cases involved heat-related illnesses.
The review indicates that well-organized medical services at event locations can treat most cases without needing hospital transfers. More than 90% of individuals received care on-site when organizers had effective medical systems in place. This approach helps ease the burden on local hospitals and ambulance services. The findings are part of a broader strategy for governments, organizers, and health agencies. It combines research data with practical tools to evaluate and manage heat risks before and during major events.
Since the 1990s, heat-related deaths have risen by roughly 63%, according to the guidance. Between 2012 and 2021, an average of 546,000 heat-related deaths occurred each year. Crowds in outdoor settings can increase exposure to heat, especially when people are outside for long periods. Limited access to water, restricted movement, and travel stress can further heighten risks. The high demand for health services during large events can complicate medical responses.
Incorporating Heat Management into Event Operations
The guidelines recommend providing accessible drinking water, sufficient toilets, and cooling infrastructure at venues. They also suggest adjusting schedules, managing crowd flow better, and protecting workers on-site. Organizers should incorporate public messaging, real-time health monitoring, and prepared medical teams into their planning. WHO emphasizes that heat protection should be integrated into the entire event, not left to individual actions. Aspects like venue design, transportation, security, and sanitation influence access to cooling and medical aid.
The package includes systematic reviews, an implementation guide, and a specific heat-risk assessment tool. It also offers resources for creating evidence-based public messages during heat waves. The assessment tool enables structured reviews before and during events. The broader approach covers preparation, impact reduction, and recovery. Organizers can align these measures with existing emergency plans, safety protocols, and national heat-health strategies.
Research Supports Proactive Heat Precautions
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that extreme heat events have become more frequent and severe across most land areas since the 1950s. Higher temperatures add pressure on health systems, especially during outdoor gatherings or crowded events. Vulnerable groups such as older adults, those with chronic illnesses, and individuals engaged in physical activity face greater risks. Workers and volunteers often spend long hours outside providing security, transport, or medical assistance.
The guidance considers heat management a key part of public health and emergency readiness for mass gatherings. It urges authorities and organizers to continually assess conditions and coordinate health measures with operational planning. These guidelines apply to various events, including international sports, festivals, and religious ceremonies. They emphasize prevention, early intervention, and on-site care, while aligning with existing national heat-health and emergency response plans.