WHO urged Europe to prepare for heat as seriously as for pandemics

European countries need to adapt their healthcare systems in advance for periods of extreme heat, treating such risks on par with preparations for potential pandemics. This statement was made by Hans Kluge, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to TASS, according to Kluge, medical facilities must be prepared for extreme temperatures, as overheating of hospital premises, excessive strain on staff, and failures in cooling systems and information infrastructure are unacceptable under modern climatic conditions in Europe.

The WHO representative emphasized that early warning systems will only be effective if their activation is immediately followed by specific public health measures, rather than being limited to recommendations for the public.

Among the necessary steps, he highlighted regular monitoring of the condition of the most vulnerable categories of citizens, the creation of cooled public spaces, and changes to work schedules for people performing duties outdoors during the hottest hours.

The WHO European Region comprises 53 countries of Europe and Central Asia. It includes Russia, Turkey, the countries of the Caucasus, as well as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.