Fact Check: Only 21 of 57 WHO Europe countries have a national heat-health action plan.

Fact Check: "Only 21 of 57 WHO Europe countries have a national heat-health action plan."

What We Know

The claim that "only 21 of 57 WHO Europe countries have a national heat-health action plan" is supported by recent findings from the World Health Organization (WHO) and related studies. According to a comprehensive survey conducted by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, there has been a significant increase in awareness regarding the health impacts of heatwaves, particularly following the devastating heatwaves in 2003. However, as of the latest reports, only 21 countries within the WHO European Region have developed and implemented formal heat-health action plans (HHAPs) (source-4, source-3).

The WHO has emphasized the importance of these plans as a systematic approach to mitigate health risks associated with extreme heat, particularly in the context of climate change. The organization has outlined several core elements necessary for effective HHAPs, which include accurate alert systems and preparedness of health services (source-4).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is derived from multiple credible sources, including WHO publications and peer-reviewed studies. The WHO's guidance documents and updates indicate that while there is a recognized need for heat-health action plans due to rising temperatures and the increasing frequency of heatwaves, the implementation remains limited across the region (source-4, source-2).

Moreover, the survey results published in various studies confirm that only 21 out of the 57 countries in the WHO European Region have established these plans (source-3). This statistic is critical as it highlights the gap in preparedness and response strategies among European nations regarding heat-related health risks.

The reliability of the sources is high, as they originate from reputable organizations like the WHO and peer-reviewed journals. The WHO is a leading authority on public health, and its reports are based on extensive research and data collection from member states. Thus, the information provided is credible and reflects the current state of heat-health action planning in Europe.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that "only 21 of 57 WHO Europe countries have a national heat-health action plan" is accurate based on the latest data from WHO surveys and publications. The evidence clearly indicates that while there is an increasing recognition of the need for such plans, actual implementation remains insufficient across the region.

Sources

1. Heat health action plans: a European perspective - PMC
2. WHO Europe Heat Health Action Plan guidance: an update of the evidence ...
3. Heat-health action plans in Europe: Challenges ahead and how ... - PubMed
4. Planning heat-health action - World Health Organization (WHO)
5. PDF Heat and health in the WHO European Region
6. Heat and health in the WHO European Region: updated evidence for ...