Maternal and newborn health risks of climate change: A call for awareness and global action. (4th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roos, Nathalie; Kovats, Sari; Hajat, Shakoor; Filippi, Veronique; Chersich, Matthew; Luchters, Stanley; Scorgie, Fiona; Nakstad, Britt; Stephansson, Olof
• Other Names: Hess Jeremy investigator.; Kadio Kadiatou investigator.; Kouanda Seni investigator.; Lusambili Adelaide investigator.; Marsham John investigator.; Ngugi Anthony investigator.; Wright Caradee Y. investigator.
• Is Part Of: Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica. Volume 100:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 566
• Page End: 570
• Publication Date: 2021-03-04
• Subjects: air pollution -- climate change -- extreme heat -- heat wave -- maternal health -- neonatal health; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Pregnancy -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; 618.05
• DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14124
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-6349

Abstract

Abstract: Climate change represents one of the largest global health threats of the 21st century with immediate and long‐term consequences for the most vulnerable populations, especially in the poorest countries with the least capacity to adapt to climate change. Pregnant women and newborns are increasingly being recognized as vulnerable populations in the context of climate change. The effects can be direct or indirect through heat stress, extreme weather events and air pollution, potentially impacting both the immediate and long‐term health of pregnant women and newborns through a broad range of mechanisms. In 2008, the World Health Organization passed a resolution during the 61st World Health Assembly, recognizing the need for research to identify strategies and health‐system strengthening to mitigate the effects of climate change on health. Climate adaptation plans need to consider vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and neonates and a broad multisectoral approach to improve overall resilience of societies.