Country-level heat and health assessment of four SA countries launched
Summary
Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Bhutan have launched new country-level heat and health assessments to strengthen preparedness for rising extreme heat under El Niño. Nepal’s first federal heat plan is in place, but experts say health surveillance and last-mile warning systems still need major improvements.
Key Points
- Four new country briefs on heat and health were launched at the Global Heat Forum in Bangkok for India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan.
- Nepal has issued its first federal heat plan and tiered heat alerts, but the health system still does not systematically record heat-related illness data.
- The assessments urge Nepal to add heat-related admissions to hospital surveillance and improve how weather warnings translate into local action.
- The regional initiative is being led by the Global Heat Health Information Network and its South Asia Hub, hosted by CEEW in New Delhi.
