Baden-Württemberg Health Minister Oliver Hildenbrand launches heat‑protection taskforce

On 9 July 2026, Baden‑Württemberg Health Minister Oliver Hildenbrand announced the creation of a taskforce to coordinate heat‑protection measures across hospitals, care homes, the public health service and medication supply, following forecasts of temperatures exceeding 30 °C.

The taskforce will first conduct a statewide inventory of existing heat‑protection concepts and identify gaps, drawing on lessons from the June heat wave. It will develop facility heat‑protection plans, advise on building‑fund programmes, and manage “hot‑spot” identification for vulnerable populations. The state’s Climate‑and‑Health competence centre, part of the Landesgesundheitsamt, will lead the effort. The ministry also urges citizens—especially the elderly, chronically ill, pregnant women, infants and outdoor workers—to stay hydrated, avoid peak‑sun exposure and watch for signs of heat‑related illness. The goal is to prevent heat‑induced illnesses and deaths while keeping health facilities operational during extreme heat events.