Tanzania banks on “Beat the Heat” project for healthy AFCON finals
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzanian government says the implementation of the “Beat the Heat” project as part of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will help protect the health of tournament participants while stimulating economic activity through increased demand for goods and services.
The remarks were made today, August 5, 2026, by the Acting Director of Preventive Services in the Ministry of Health, Dr Otilia Gowelle, while opening an orientation seminar for experts from various sectors involved in preparing measures to mitigate the effects of heat during AFCON 2027.
Dr Gowelle said the government, through the Ministry of Health and in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), is developing preparedness tools and guidelines to address heat-related risks and ensure that the tournament is conducted in accordance with international health standards and recommendations.
She said the “Beat the Heat” initiative will provide education to players, match officials, support staff, fans and other participants on how to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses. The programme will cover proper hydration, nutrition, appropriate clothing and other preventive measures during the tournament.
“The Beat the Heat project has become a catalyst for economic growth because it will increase demand for various goods and services while equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves from the effects of extreme heat,” Dr Gowelle said.
She noted that some incidents of football fans collapsing in stadiums have been linked to inadequate health preparedness, including dehydration, failure to eat before attending matches and prolonged exposure to crowded environments.
Dr Gowelle urged participants attending the seminar to use the knowledge gained to educate sports fans and the public on preventing health risks that may arise during major sporting events.
Meanwhile, Dr Neema Kileo, representing the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative in Tanzania, said WHO has been working closely with the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to ensure that countries hosting major football tournaments establish effective systems to protect the health of participants through the “Beat the Heat” initiative.
She said the partnership aims to ensure that preparations for AFCON 2027 comply with international public health and safety standards, guaranteeing the well-being of all participants throughout the tournament.
