GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated guidance designed to help reduce heat-related health issues at mass gatherings around the world. The recommendations target major sporting, religious, and cultural events. They focus on risks faced by spectators, attendees, volunteers, and workers who are exposed to high temperatures for extended periods. An evidence review revealed nearly 500,000 medical encounters at mass gatherings in studies from 1980 through 2025. Over 22,000 of these cases involved heat-related illnesses.
According to the review, on-site medical services can often manage most cases without the need for hospital transfers. More than 90% of patients received care at the event location when organizers had well-prepared medical systems in place. This approach can help ease the load on local hospitals and ambulance services. The findings are part of a comprehensive package for governments, event organizers, and health authorities. It combines research findings with practical tools to evaluate and manage heat risks before and during large events.
The guidance notes that heat-related deaths have risen by an estimated 63% since the 1990s. Between 2012 and 2021, an average of 546,000 heat-related deaths occurred each year. Crowds gathered outdoors can increase exposure to heat, especially when people stay outside for long durations. Limited access to water, restricted movement, and travel stressors can further heighten risks. High demand for health services can also complicate medical responses during major events.
Heat preparedness now integrates into event planning
The guidance advises providing accessible drinking water, sufficient toilets, and cooling infrastructure at venues. It recommends adjusting event schedules, improving crowd control, and protecting staff and volunteers. Organizers should communicate with the public, monitor health conditions in real-time, and have medical services ready. WHO emphasizes that heat protection should be part of the entire event process, not just dependent on individual actions. Venue design, transportation, security, and sanitation all influence access to cooling and medical aid.
This new package includes reviews, an implementation manual, and a specific heat-risk assessment tool. It also offers materials for creating evidence-based public messages during hot periods. The assessment tool enables structured reviews before and during an event. The wider framework covers preparation, impact mitigation, and recovery. Event organizers can align these measures with existing emergency plans, occupational safety standards, and national heat-health strategies.
Supporting evidence advocates for early heat precautions
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that hot extremes are now more frequent and intense across most land areas since the 1950s. Rising temperatures increase health risks during large outdoor or crowded gatherings. Older adults, individuals with chronic conditions, and those involved in physical activities face higher dangers. Workers and volunteers often spend long hours outdoors providing security, transport, medical, or logistical support.
The guidance considers heat management as part of broader public health and emergency preparedness efforts for mass events. It urges authorities and organizers to continually assess conditions and coordinate health protections with operational planning. These measures are relevant for various gatherings, including international sports competitions, festivals, and religious events. The focus remains on prevention, early intervention, and on-site care, while supporting existing national systems for heat health, emergency response, and clinical management.