As the world continues to experience record-breaking temperatures, extreme heat is creeping into Tanzanian stadiums, indoor workplaces, construction sites and homes; posing a real threat to people’s daily life.
The need to shield communities from extreme heat, air pollution, and harmful solar UV radiation grows more urgent as Tanzania prepares to host major sports events and festivals like AFCON 2027 and Sauti za Busara Annual Music Festival. Every match, every gathering, every shift at a worksite is now a frontline experience of climate change. Strengthening preparedness means saving lives before emergencies strike.
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with WHO and through generous support from FIFA Legacy Fund, has developed new risk-communication tools under the “Beat the Heat” Initiative in the effort to raise awareness among workers, sports fans, and communities on the dangers of extreme heat, air pollution, and solar UV exposure.
The Beat the Heat Initiative brought together a team of graphic designers, public health experts, communicators and community members to transform very technical climate and health guidelines into relatable actionable advice that reminds people to stay hydrated, protect their skin and eyes from UV exposure, and avoid peak sun hours. It is the bridge between policy and everyday behavior, designed with communities and for communities.
Over several days in Dar es Salaam, multidisciplinary teams working as one gathered to craft and test these messages to ensure that messaging was clear, culturally relevant, and actionable. Scripts were written, banners designed, expert interviews recorded, and risk-communication materials drafted in both Kiswahili and English.
“Ensuring health and safety of people during mass gatherings must remain a top priority, especially in the context of a rapidly changing climate. Support under the Beat the Heat initiative is timely and critically important as the country prepares to host AFCON 2027. It provides practical solutions to safeguard workers, staff and spectators from extreme heat, while reinforcing the importance of climate-resilient and healthy sport environments.” Mr. Joseph Birago, Technical Lead, Occupational Health & Safety Unit, MOH Mainland.
“Every year in February, Zanzibar hosts “Sauti za Busara” (Sounds of Wisdom) – an African music festival attended by people from all walks of life. Communication tools that we have developed will be useful in raising awareness on the dangers of extreme heat and helping attendees know how they can stay safe while enjoying the festival.” Mr. Hassan Mlenge, Head, Environmental Health Unit, MOH Zanzibar.
In coming months, the campaign will reach workplaces, sporting events (anticipating the 2027 African Cup of Nations), mega events and public spaces — marking Tanzania’s leadership in building climate-resilient, health-protective systems.
The campaign will help people stay safe during outdoor events and daily work by promoting hydration, shade, protective clothing, and awareness of heat-related risks.
“Awareness among workers and the public of the health risks posed by heat remains insufficient. Support to develop the risk communication tools demonstrates WHO’s commitment to support the country in ensuring local festivals, sports, workplaces and public spaces are equipped with heat response interventions that are practical, feasible and often low-cost at the individual, community and government levels”, said Dr. Neema Kileo, Team Lead, Health Promotion and Social Determinants of Health, WHO Tanzania.
The Beat the Heat Initiative is more than a campaign. It is a pledge to protect lives, safeguard health, and build climate resilience for all Tanzanians.
https://www.afro.who.int/countries/united-republic-of-tanzania/news/tanzania-scales-action-protect-people-extreme-heat-and-solar-uv-beat-heat-initiative
