WHO warns Europe must prepare health systems for rising heat risks

Europe must strengthen its health systems to cope with increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned, as the continent continues to warm at roughly twice the global average rate.

In a report published on 23 July, WHO/Europe said extreme heat had become a recurring public health and security challenge, with rising temperatures contributing to higher illness rates, increased mortality and mounting pressure on hospitals and social services.

Although the full impact of the current summer is still being assessed, data from five European countries has already recorded nearly 10,000 excess deaths linked to heat.

WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Henri P. Kluge said the scale of the threat required urgent preparation rather than emergency responses after temperatures peak. “Heat deaths are not inevitable,” he said, highlighting measures such as early warnings, cooler urban environments, access to water and shade, and better preparation of healthcare systems.

The organisation said hospitals were among the facilities most vulnerable to extreme heat. Many urban medical centres face additional risks from the “urban heat island” effect, where densely built areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding regions. Rising heat can disrupt cooling systems, electricity supplies and digital infrastructure, while also increasing stress on healthcare workers and patients.

WHO cited examples of adaptation efforts across Europe. In Romania, Buhuși Hospital has introduced cooling areas for people affected by heat-related illness, improved access to drinking water and trained medical staff to identify early signs of heat exhaustion. The hospital is also seeking funding for a more efficient building-wide cooling system.

Across the region, countries including Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Poland and Ukraine have worked with WHO to assess hospital readiness for climate-related risks, including extreme temperatures, water shortages and power vulnerabilities.

The UK was highlighted as an example of a country using a national Heat–Health Action Plan. Authorities operate a colour-coded alert system linking weather warnings to practical measures for healthcare providers, local governments and communities. The system was activated during record-breaking temperatures in 2026, when parts of Britain experienced temperatures above 37°C.

WHO has also released updated guidance on Heat–Health Action Plans, providing governments with a framework for planning, communication and emergency response. The guidance focuses on protecting vulnerable groups, improving public awareness and ensuring that communities can take preventive action.

The agency stressed that tackling extreme heat requires international cooperation, as climate change continues to drive more intense and frequent weather events. WHO said stronger heat preparedness should become a central part of long-term health security planning across Europe.

By Aghakazim Guliyev