Researchers from The George Institute for Global Health and Imperial College London have conducted an extensive review of community-level heat adaptation interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Their findings highlight significant gender disparities in existing research on how these interventions affect health, emphasizing the need for more inclusive policy planning to address the vulnerabilities posed by extreme heat events.
Extreme heat, commonly referred to as heat waves, has become increasingly prevalent due to climate change. Between 2007 and 2023, the average number of worldwide heat wave days rose to 19.3, up from 12 in the previous decade. While heat waves impact various regions, LMICs face heightened risks due to inadequate infrastructure and limited healthcare access. These events can lead to severe health conditions, both immediate and long-term, particularly affecting women, including pregnant individuals who are at a higher risk of heat-related complications.
To assess the current state of heat adaptation efforts, the researchers reviewed studies published from 2013 to 2024. Out of a wide array of literature, only five studies met the review’s criteria, representing research from countries including India, Pakistan, Nicaragua, Burkina Faso, and El Salvador. The interventions examined included strategies such as cool roofing, workplace policies promoting breaks for hydration and shade, and community education programs aimed at disseminating risk information.
The health outcomes investigated encompassed physiological indicators like heart rate and sleep quality, as well as behavioral changes in response to heat exposure. The research also scrutinized how gender was integrated into these studies, utilizing a scale recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to determine whether interventions were “gender-blind” or “gender-transformative.” This approach revealed critical gaps in understanding and the necessity for gender-aware strategies in heat management.
Two key observations emerged from this research. Firstly, policymakers currently lack robust evidence on prioritizing or scaling effective heat-health interventions. Heat adaptation measures tend to be approached primarily as issues of infrastructure or climate, neglecting their public health implications. Secondly, the review found that many studies exhibited significant gender disparities, with most remaining largely gender-blind.
“Our review shows that evidence on heat-health interventions in LMICs remains extremely limited, and gender is almost entirely absent in existing evaluations,” stated a Research Fellow at The George Institute. As heat extremes intensify, adaptation strategies must reflect women’s lived experiences and measure concrete health outcomes. Strengthening the evidence base is crucial for protecting the most affected populations.
Women’s participation in heat adaptation interventions is vital, as they play a key role in community-based efforts. Empowering women can enhance the effectiveness of these initiatives. According to the Program Director of Women’s Health at The George Institute, “This study highlights the urgent need to design climate adaptation interventions that consider the specific needs of everyone, especially women and girls.”
Effective practices for safeguarding vulnerable populations in LMICs against heat waves include developing structural solutions, such as individual and community-based initiatives, like cool roofing and shaded public spaces. Integrating heat-related health measures into healthcare protocols, particularly in maternal and primary health centres, is essential. Identifying high-risk populations will ensure equitable access to heat-relief strategies.
Looking ahead, extreme weather conditions are anticipated to worsen in the coming decade, underscoring the urgency for more comprehensive research in this field. Future interventions must incorporate rigorous gender analysis with sex-segregated data to inform equitable policies that protect the vulnerable populations of LMICs.
For further details, the full study can be accessed at the BMJ Public Health.
