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 was implemented through the local centres for disease control in the project cities. The system was designed for timely issuance of warnings of health risks due to extreme heat. Information on health risks was delivered to the community health service centres and community residents (especially vulnerable populations with cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, etc.). Information also was communicated through fixed electronic display screens in the community, mobile text, instant messaging groups, and television through the daily weather forecast. At the same time, health education on how to read the early warning information and how to protect health during heat waves was provided in various forms, such as posters, fliers, internet, newspapers and a painting contest among students on adaptation to heat waves, etc. The risk models were partially verified by comparing registered daily health outcomes, such as the observed daily deaths, with predicted parameters.