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Extreme Heat: An Underestimated Threat to Health?
10 juin 2026
By Ana Espino | Published on June 09, 2026 | 4 min readMore frequent heatwaves, record-breaking temperatures, prolonged periods of extreme heat… Climate change is gradually turning extreme heat into a major public health challenge. While heatstroke is one of the most visible consequences of these events, the health effects of high temperatures extend far beyond acute heat-related illnesses. In rea
By Ana Espino | Published on June 09, 2026 | 4 min read
More frequent heatwaves, record-breaking temperatures, prolonged periods of extreme heat… Climate change is gradually turning extreme heat into a major public health challenge. While heatstroke is one of the most visible consequences of these events, the health effects of high temperatures extend far beyond acute heat-related illnesses. In reality, extreme heat influences numerous chronic diseases, increases mortality, and places growing pressure on healthcare systems.
This issue is particularly concerning in Africa, where many populations are already exposed to high temperatures, work outdoors, and may have limited access to water, electricity, or effective cooling solutions. Yet the health impacts of heat exposure remain insufficiently recognized in clinical practice. A review published in the African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine examines the effects of extreme heat and the measures needed to protect the most vulnerable populations.
More frequent heatwaves, record-breaking temperatures, prolonged periods of extreme heat… Climate change is gradually turning extreme heat into a major public health challenge. While heatstroke is one of the most visible consequences of these events, the health effects of high temperatures extend far beyond acute heat-related illnesses. In reality, extreme heat influences numerous chronic diseases, increases mortality, and places growing pressure on healthcare systems.
This issue is particularly concerning in Africa, where many populations are already exposed to high temperatures, work outdoors, and may have limited access to water, electricity, or effective cooling solutions. Yet the health impacts of heat exposure remain insufficiently recognized in clinical practice. A review published in the African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine examines the effects of extreme heat and the measures needed to protect the most vulnerable populations.
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Scientific reference
Lahri S. The health effects of extreme heat. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med. 2026
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