Climate Change: A Silent Killer of Newborns in LMICs

A study spanning 29 low- and middle-income countries reveals that over four percent of newborn deaths are linked to extreme temperatures induced by climate change. The research highlights that sub-Saharan Africa experiences the most severe impacts, with high rates of temperature-related newborn deaths in countries like Pakistan, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria.

Climate change is emerging as a silent killer of newborns in low- and middle-income countries, a groundbreaking study has revealed. Researchers found that more than four percent of newborn deaths are linked to extreme temperatures driven by climate change.

The study, which examined data from 29 countries mainly in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia between 2001 and 2019, showed that 1.5 percent of annual newborn deaths were due to extreme heat while nearly three percent were related to extreme cold.

Countries like Pakistan, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria recorded the highest rates of temperature-related newborn deaths. Sub-Saharan Africa was found to be the most severely affected region, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action.