The Ministry of Health and Child Care has issued a public health advisory urging Zimbabweans to take precautions against extreme heat during the current hot period, warning that high temperatures, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and strenuous physical activity can overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate temperature and lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heatstroke. The warning comes as the 2026/2027 seasonal climate outlook points to below-normal rainfall and warmer-than-normal temperatures associated with El Niño conditions, a situation likely to increase heat exposure and water stress across the country.
While anyone can be affected by extreme heat, the Ministry says children, older persons, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, persons with disabilities and outdoor workers such as farmers, construction workers and vendors are particularly vulnerable and need extra protection. To stay safe, members of the public are advised to drink safe water regularly throughout the day even when not thirsty, limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours from late morning to mid-afternoon, stay in shaded, cool and well-ventilated places, and take regular breaks when working outdoors. People should also wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and use hats or umbrellas for sun protection, check regularly on children, older persons and people living with chronic illnesses, and never leave children unattended in parked vehicles. Employers are urged to provide drinking water, shaded rest areas and regular breaks for outdoor workers, while households should store drinking water safely and protect food from spoilage and contamination.
The Ministry has also urged the public to recognise the warning signs of heat-related illness early. Heat exhaustion may present with heavy sweating, intense thirst, headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps, in which case the affected person should be moved to a cool place, have their clothing loosened, be cooled with water and fanning, and be given drinking water if fully alert and able to swallow. Heatstroke, however, is a medical emergency and may present with confusion, unusual behaviour, seizures, collapse or loss of consciousness following exposure to excessive heat, with the skin hot and dry or sweaty, and members of the public should not wait for all symptoms to appear before acting. Where heatstroke is suspected, emergency medical assistance should be sought immediately, the person moved to a cool, shaded or well-ventilated place, excess clothing removed and rapid cooling started using cold water, wet cloths and fanning, with cold-water immersion used where feasible and safe, and cooling continued while awaiting medical help. Fluids should not be given by mouth to anyone who is confused, unconscious or unable to swallow safely, and paracetamol or aspirin should not be administered to treat heatstroke.
The Ministry has called upon the media, schools, employers, local authorities, community leaders and health workers to disseminate the messages and promote practical measures to prevent heat-related illnesses, while urging members of the public to follow weather updates and official health advisories from the relevant authorities, with the key message being to prevent heat exposure, stay hydrated, recognise the warning signs, and cool rapidly and seek medical help without delay.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care deserves commendation for issuing this timely forewarning, which reflects a proactive and people-centred approach to public health that prioritises prevention over cure and places the safety of the most vulnerable at the centre of the national response. By alerting the nation early, providing clear and practical guidance, and mobilising the media, schools, employers, local authorities, community leaders and health workers, the Ministry has empowered families and communities to protect themselves before tragedy strikes, and this foresight will undoubtedly save lives, reduce pressure on health facilities and strengthen national resilience in the face of a changing climate.
