Ahmedabad, India: Heat action plan 2018

This Heat Action Plan aims to provide a framework for the implementation, coordination, and evaluation of extreme heat response activities in Ahmedabad that reduce the negative health impacts of exposure to extreme heat. The Plan’s primary objective is to alert those populations most at risk of heat-related illness that extreme heat conditions either exist or are imminent, and to take appropriate precautions.

Key strategies:

• Building Public Awareness and Community Outreach to communicate the risks of heat waves and implement practices to prevent heat-related deaths and illnesses. Disseminating public messages on how to protect people against extreme heat through media outlets and orientation materials such as pamphlets and advertisements on heat stress prevention. New efforts being launched as part of this year’s Plan include the use of modern media such as text messages, email, radio and mobile applications such as WhatsApp. Special efforts will be made to reach vulnerable populations through inter-personal communication from March to June annually.
• Initiating an Early Warning System and Inter-Agency Coordination to alert residents of predicted extreme temperatures. The AMC has created formal communication channels to alert government agencies, health officials and hospitals, emergency responders, local community groups, and media outlets of extreme temperatures forecasted by the Indian Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Meteorological Centre located in Ahmedabad.
• Capacity Building Among Health Care Professionals to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses, particularly during extreme heat events. Such trainings focus on primary medical officers, paramedical staff, and community health staff so that these experts can effectively prevent and manage heat-related cases and reduce mortality and morbidity.
• Reducing Heat Exposure and Promoting Adaptive Measures by launching new efforts including mapping of high-risk areas of the city, broadening outreach and communication on prevention methods, and increasing access to potable drinking water and cooling spaces on extreme heat days. The AMC also collaborates with non-governmental organizations to expand outreach and communication with the city’s most vulnerable communities.