Reflections from the HeatNexus Global Symposium

HeatNexus Global Symposium – 9 February 2026 | Kuala Lumpur

I had the privilege of attending the HeatNexus Global Symposium: Advancing Science and Partnerships for Action held on 9 February 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Kuala Lumpur. I was invited by my esteemed colleague, Professor Dr Tin Tin Su of Monash University Malaysia, whose ongoing commitment to climate resilience and community-based health research continues to inspire.

This event brought together a multidisciplinary network of researchers, policymakers, and community leaders engaged in the HeatNexus initiative: a Wellcome-funded programme encompassing nine pioneering projects across low- and middle-income countries. The collective mission is to advance heat adaptation strategies that are not only scientifically sound but also socially inclusive and actionable across diverse settings.

A Showcase of Innovation and Collaboration

The symposium began with opening remarks from Dr Nasreen Jessani from the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) and Brig Gen Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Arshil Moideen the Head of School, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University (Malaysia). It was followed by a compelling keynote by Professor Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, who reminded us that the effects of heat on health are like boiling a frog in water – gradual exposure normalises danger, so action comes too late. She continued to highlight the pressing need for systems thinking in addressing planetary health challenges, especially those driven by climate change.

Highlights from the HeatNexus Projects

The heart of the event was a series of project presentations, ranging from agroforestry-based cooling in Tanzania (KISHADE) to maternal heat stress research in Zimbabwe and South Africa (HAPI) and structural housing solutions in Kenya (HOMES). These projects, while diverse in context, share a common goal: to generate evidence-based, community-led solutions that reduce vulnerability to extreme heat. Notably, the Heat Care at SEACO project, based in Malaysia, stood out for its application of community-based approaches and technological tools such as cool roofs and wearable sensors — a model with great potential for broader regional adoption.

Panel Reflection: Protecting Vulnerable Populations under Rising Heat

The panel “Protecting Vulnerable Populations: Equity, Access, and Risk Under Rising Heat”, chaired by Prof. Dr Tin Tin Su, offered a focused and compelling discussion on the unequal health impacts of extreme heat, particularly in Southeast Asia and Malaysia.

The panel brought together speakers from policy, academia, and civil society. Dr Thahirahtul Asma’ binti Zakaria (Ministry of Health, Malaysia) highlighted the importance of aligning national health systems with global initiatives such as WHO’s Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health to build climate-resilient health services. Ms Menka Goundan (Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women, ARROW) emphasised gender and human rights perspectives, noting that women and marginalised communities often bear a disproportionate burden of heat exposure due to social and economic inequities.

From a global policy and systems perspective, Dr Remco van de Pas (United Nations University – International Institute for Global Health) underscored the need to address structural determinants of vulnerability, including labour conditions, social protection, and governance. Prof Dr Elil Renganathan (Monash University Malaysia) reinforced the role of strong public health systems and evidence-informed policy in translating research on heat risks into practical, equitable action.

Overall, the panel reinforced that heat adaptation is not solely a technical challenge but a public health equity issue. Protecting vulnerable populations will require coordinated action across sectors, grounded in local realities and informed by inclusive, rights-based approaches.

Acknowledgements

My sincere thanks to Professor Dr Tin Tin Su for the invitation and to all the organisers, including the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) and Monash University Malaysia, for a well-curated and thought-provoking programme. The conversations and contacts made during the symposium will undoubtedly contribute to future research and interventions on heat and health.