Heat wave and health risk early warning systems in China

 This project, which is part of a broader WHO/UNDP Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded project, developed and implemented a heatwave early warning system to reduce the health risks and to increase the capacity of health systems and community residents to prepare for and cope with periods of extreme temperatures. The project was piloted in four cities: Harbin, Nanjing, Shenzhen and Chongqing, located in different climate zones within China

The early warning system provides the health system and community residents with information about health risks before a heat wave occurs, providing valuable time to take appropriate action to prepare for and reduce potential risks, thereby decreasing morbidity and mortality. Multisectoral cooperation is an indispensable element for the smooth design and implementation.