Relentless climate change and its impact on heat-ravaged mothers and newborns in Pakistan



Key Wins:
- Forum for Women Development and Research (formally known as The Forum) continues its advocacy efforts for the integration of MNCH into climate adaptation planning and resource allocation, collaborating closely with relevant ministries and stakeholders to ensure comprehensive action.
Project Duration:
Project Brief:
The maternal health crisis in Pakistan is worsened by extreme heat, a consequence of climate change, which disproportionately affects pregnant women and newborns. Research indicates a correlation between extreme heat and adverse maternal health outcomes such as preterm birth, stillbirth, and hypertension. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on how economically disadvantaged women experience extreme heat during pregnancy, leading to limited awareness among healthcare providers. To address this gap, the Forum conducted a qualitative study, ‘Birth in a Burning World: The Intersecting Extreme Heat and Maternal Health Crises in Sindh Province, Pakistan’, to map the devastating impact of extreme temperatures on maternal and newborn health. It began with an examination of epidemiological studies and scientific findings linking poor maternal and newborn health to extreme heat. Subsequently, interviews were conducted with 16 women who experienced the 2022 heatwave during pregnancy or early motherhood, along with 02 local officials and 03 healthcare providers, individuals whose experiential insights were directly pertinent to maternal health in the context of extreme heat conditions, in Shikarpur District, Sindh Province, Pakistan. Additionally, consultations were held with experts in maternal health and the climate crisis.
The study uncovered various challenges faced by pregnant women and new mothers during extreme heat, including dehydration, loss of appetite, exhaustion, and increased risks of mental health conditions. Patriarchal systems compounded these challenges, limiting women’s access to cooling resources and healthcare services. The lack of inclusion of maternal and newborn health in climate adaptation plans further exacerbates vulnerability to extreme heat-related health risks.
To address these issues, the study recommends urgent actions from the government and stakeholders. This includes incorporating maternal and newborn health into climate adaptation plans, providing education on extreme heat risks during pregnancy, improving access to cooling infrastructure, and allocating resources to support midwifery services and community health workers. Additionally, the study calls for prioritizing maternal and newborn health in climate change funding allocations to mitigate the long-term impacts of the climate crisis on vulnerable populations.
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