​​Structural Heat Adaptation and Education in Urban and Rural Setting (SHAPES Trial): cRCT


Principal Investigator: Dr Zulfiqar A Bhutta
Co-PI:  Jai K Das, Syeda Kanza Naqvi, Muhammad Khan Jamali Ana Bonell, Christopher Burman, Joseph Augustin, Shahmeer Qamar, Arjumand Rizvi, Imran Ahmed Chauhdary, Anjum Abbas Naqvi, Hassan Naqvi, Simon Cousens, Andy Haines
Funded by: Wellcome Trust
Project duration: Ongoing
Project sites: Matiari and Karachi Sindh, Pakistan

Project Summary:
This cluster-randomized controlled trial evaluates structural and behavioral strategies to reduce heat-related health risks in both urban and rural communities. The study focuses on developing and testing locally appropriate Heat Adaptation and Reduction Bundles (HAB) through participatory engagement, environmental assessments, and community-based implementation. By examining existing heat adaptation practices and piloting innovative interventions, the project aims to generate robust evidence on the health and economic benefits of practical heat-mitigation strategies. The findings are expected to inform scalable, context-specific policies to protect vulnerable populations in high-heat settings.