IDRiM podcast #52 “Avoidable Deaths Network: Heatwaves”

The Avoidable Deaths Network (ADN) is thrilled to be collaborating with the Integrated Disaster Risk Management (IDRiM) Society Podcast series titled “ADN’s Global Campaign Season”.

Hosted by Dr. Haris Rahadianto (Lund University, Sweden), this podcast episode explored the International Awareness Day for Avoidable Deaths (IAD4AD) through a discussion with Vishal Pathak from the All India Disaster Mitigation Institute (AIDMI) in Ahmedabad, India. 

As a member of the ADN, AIDMI focuses on extreme heat as a highly preventable public risk. Vishal shared how Ahmedabad became a leading example through early recognition of heat as a health and disaster issue, strong collaboration with municipal authorities, and the development of a Heat Action Plan (HAP). The episode reinforced the campaign’s core message that avoidable deaths are shaped by choices made in advance, not by fate.

The conversation highlighted AIDMI’s work with populations most exposed to extreme heat, particularly women-led small businesses and transportation workers. By promoting the use of early heat forecasts, community awareness, and anticipatory action, the campaign aims to help people protect their health, livelihoods, and daily activities before temperatures peak. Rather than a one-day event, IAD4AD is presented as an ongoing process of learning, coordination, and action, encouraging listeners worldwide to share experiences and strengthen local efforts to prevent deaths from extreme heat.