UN warns extreme heat increases risks to maternal and neonatal health

Simon Stiell, the UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, has warned that rising global temperatures pose a growing threat to maternal and neonatal health. Speaking at a Wellcome Trust event in Fiji ahead of COP31, Stiell advocated for the mandatory inclusion of maternal and newborn health in national climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Data released by the Wellcome Trust, based on a survey of 1,000 maternal health professionals across Australia, Brazil, India, the United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe, highlights the severity of the issue. The study found that 73% of respondents observed an increase in heat-related gestational complications over the last five years, while 81% expressed concern regarding rising risks to mothers and infants.

Key medical risks identified include increased rates of preterm birth, stillbirth, low birth weight, and maternal complications such as dehydration, pre-eclampsia, and heat-induced hypertension. Research indicates that every one-degree Celsius increase contributes to a 5% rise in preterm births and a 7% increase in gestational diabetes. Stiell noted that these risks disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including those in precarious housing or those working outdoors.