WHO reports 63% increase in global heat-related deaths

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a 63% increase in global heat-related deaths since the 1990s, with an average of 546,000 deaths annually between 2012 and 2021.

Large-scale gatherings, such as sporting, religious, and cultural events, have become high-risk environments. Studies conducted between 1980 and 2025 documented nearly half a million medical interventions during large gatherings, including over 22,000 cases specifically linked to heat. The WHO noted that well-organized on-site healthcare systems can treat over 90% of patients directly at the venue, which helps reduce pressure on hospitals and ambulance services.

In response, the WHO has published new guidelines to prevent heat-related disorders at large events. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of the WHO Programme for Health Emergencies, stated that extreme heat must be treated as a fundamental challenge of operational management and governance rather than just an environmental risk. He emphasized that protection should not rely solely on individual behavior but on improved risk assessment, preparation, and response.