Our ref.: 25930/2021/SI/AER2 12 November 2021
Subject: Launch of the global ultraviolet (UV) radiation application for mobile phones
Action required: Contact Secretariat if interested in the national adaptation of the global application
Dear Sir/Madam,
I refer to Resolution 33 (Cg-18) – Advancing integrated health services, that adopted the WHO-WMO Health, Environment, and Climate Science to Services Master Plan. As a part of the implementation of this plan, WMO would like to inform you about the launch of the global application for mobile phones titled the “SunSmart Global UV” App . The application was launched at the beginning of the summer season in the southern hemisphere.
The application was developed by Cancer Council Victoria (CCV) in Australia in collaboration with such partners as: Deakin University; the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA); the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM); the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF); the ARC Research Hub for Digital Enhanced Living; and WMO and is now available globally in Google and Apple App stores. It provides the user with a geo-located five-day UV and weather forecast and sun protection times, along with tailored notifications based on UV levels and weather information. What makes this App unique is that it provides behavioural prompts to reduce the risks associated with UV exposure based on current UV levels in any location. In easy to understand language, it provides clear guidance in all official languages of WMO as to when sun protection is required and how to protect yourself. We encourage users in your country to use the application to ensure better health protection.
The application can also be adapted with the support of country-level weather services to accept data from local UV measuring stations according to the current user location, resulting in more accurate current UV Index readings. It can be translated into other languages. If your organization is interested in the adaptation and provision of additional data streams, please contact us at: gaw@wmo.int.
Yours faithfully,
Prof. Petteri Taalas
Secretary-General
