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This report analyses the knowledge, attitude and practice of residents of Karachi, Pakistan in relation to managing extreme heat. It was conducted in 2020 following a messaging campaign led by HANDS related to extreme heat. The project was triggered through a disaster risk financing approach, using a heatwave model to trigger funding automatically when extreme heat was forecast. The humanitarian impact of extreme heat is an increasing concern, especially in low-income countries with limited access to quality healthcare and informal dwellings which can trap heat.

This report raises key recommendations for future heatwave projects. Disaster risk financing interventions should be implemented before the onset of the event and contain a weather warning with any other messaging. FM Radio effectiveness to be tested again following the next heatwave project. During high risk periods, messaging should be intensive, with multiple messages on each channel to support uptake. Retention and uptake could be improved by reducing the amount of information transmitted and focusing on critical protective and first aid steps to managing extreme heat. Participants should be encouraged to share the information on heat widely and more verbal face to face messages should be considered in further heatwave campaigns. Finally, Liaison with hospital and local doctors administration should be established to access heat stroke patient information.