Gelsenkirchen in March 2026: Health Policy in Focus – Heat Prevention, Obesity, and New Advisory Services

Heat Prevention: Between Planning and Practice

In March 2026, the Health Committee in Gelsenkirchen engaged intensively with the topic of heat prevention. A motion by Joachim Sombetzki highlighted the need for a municipal strategy, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly. It was noted critically that the city had not yet provided specific information on the topic on its website.

The pilot survey conducted in Recklinghausen in August 2024 provided valuable insights. However, the results were still being analyzed, and concrete measures remained vague. The interviews revealed that many citizens were insufficiently informed about the health risks of heatwaves, especially regarding drug interactions and chronic illnesses. In addition, the lack of drinking fountains and problematic access to toilets was pointed out, which complicates fluid intake for the elderly.

The city emphasizes that it generally views municipal measures for heat management positively. Nevertheless, concerns remain regarding practical implementation. A working group focusing on the elderly is still in the planning phase. The goal is to develop an integrated strategy that takes into account individual, societal, and political dimensions.

Obesity Prevention: Challenges and Local Initiatives

Another focus was obesity prevention. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the number of inpatient treatments increased by 3.2 % in 2023 compared to the previous year, with Gelsenkirchen below the state average. However, the development remains worrying, especially among children under 15 years of age, where 23.2 % of obesity cases were recorded.

In Gelsenkirchen, preventive projects such as "Urban GEsund" and "MiMi – Health for All" are being pursued. These initiatives promote physical activity and healthy nutrition and aim to create health-promoting living conditions. In addition, the advisory and guidance office "Together for Health – On Site" supports affected citizens in navigating health-related offers in the city.

Mrs. Brettschneider, an informed citizen, submitted a motion during the meeting that pointed to the need for more intensive obesity prevention. The focus was on the role of school entry examinations, which have been improved in recent years through digitization and reminder systems. With a rate of 98.22 % in 2024/2025, the results were significantly above average.

Health Guides: A New Approach in Healthcare

A central topic of the committee was the introduction of the advisory and guidance office "Together for Health – On Site." This institution serves as a contact point for citizens who need support with health-related concerns. The guidance office is based at the Elisana Pharmacy in Hassel and is available on Wednesdays at the Department of Health in Schalke. The goal is to strengthen citizens' health literacy and enable them to organize themselves to relieve the healthcare system.

It was emphasized that the guidance office does not provide medical care, but rather orientation, preparation for doctor's appointments, and accompaniment. A focus is on network development and the anonymous documentation of offers. Evaluation is a key component to assess the effectiveness of the measures.

Outlook: Integration and Sustainability as Keys

The discussions in March 2026 show that Gelsenkirchen is actively addressing the challenges of public health. The integration of measures for heat prevention, obesity prevention, and the introduction of health guides offers a holistic approach. Nevertheless, challenges remain – not least in implementation, transparency, and accessibility for all population groups.

In the coming months, the city will focus on the evaluation of the pilot phase and incorporate the results into its long-term strategy. Working with vulnerable groups and digitizing health services will remain central topics. With these steps, Gelsenkirchen has taken its first step toward a sustainable, integrated health policy.