Article · Health news

WHO releases guidance on preventing heat-related illness at mass gatherings

Health news Published · sources checked

On 30 September 2026 the WHO released a resource suite on preventing and managing heat-related illness at mass gatherings.

Key points

  • The WHO released the guidance suite on 30 September 2026.
  • The WHO's evidence review of studies from 1980 to 2025 found nearly half a million medical encounters at mass gatherings, including more than 22,000 heat-related illnesses.
  • The suite includes a heat-risk assessment tool, and WHO names spectators, attendees, volunteers and workers among those affected by heat at mass gatherings.

What was announced

On 30 September 2026 the World Health Organization (WHO) released a resource suite called "Prevention and management of heat-related illness at mass gatherings". The WHO says most heat-related illnesses at major events can be prevented or treated on site when timely risk management measures are in place.

Its evidence review of studies from 1980 to 2025 found nearly half a million medical encounters at mass gatherings, including more than 22,000 heat-related illnesses.

What it means

The guidance includes a heat-risk assessment tool and is intended to complement the WHO's heat-health action plan guidance and existing national plans. The WHO urges governments, event organisers and partners to build heat risk management into health planning and event operations.

More guides and news

Educational content. This article summarises public guidance and announcements in plain English for education. It is not medical advice and it cannot say what is right for you: speak to a clinician about your own health, call NHS 111 if you are unsure what to do and 999 in an emergency.