Development and implementation of South Asia's first heat-health action plan in Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India).

ABSTRACT: Recurrent heat waves, already a concern in rapidly growing and urbanizing South Asia, will very likely worsen in a warming world. Coordinated adaptation efforts can reduce heat's adverse health impacts, however. To address this concern in Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India), a coalition has been formed to develop an evidence-based heat preparedness plan and early warning system. This paper describes the group and initial steps in the plan's development and implementation. Evidence accumulation included extensive literature review, analysis of local temperature and mortality data, surveys with heat-vulnerable populations, focus groups with health care professionals, and expert consultation. The findings and recommendations were encapsulated in policy briefs for key government agencies, health care p

SUBMITTER: Knowlton K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4024996 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature