UNICEF Report Highlights Alarming Heat Exposure Risks for Children in West and Central Africa

A UNICEF report reveals that children in West and Central Africa are increasingly at risk due to extreme heat. The frequency of heatwaves has surged, creating health concerns for children and pregnant women, leading to chronic diseases and infectious diseases. The report calls for urgent measures to reduce carbon emissions.

Children in West and Central Africa are increasingly exposed to extreme heat, putting their health at significant risk, according to a new UNICEF report.

The occurrence of heatwaves in the region has skyrocketed over the decades. Notably, West Africa endured an extraordinary heatwave earlier this year, prompting a surge in mortalities.

In Mali, a hospital reported 102 deaths in the first four days of April alone, surpassing deaths for the same month last year. However, the exact number of heat-related fatalities remains undetermined due to data restrictions imposed by Mali's military regime.

The report highlights that extreme heat poses severe health risks to children and pregnant women, including increased stillbirths, low birth weight, and preterm births.

David Knaute, a regional climate specialist at UNICEF, told The Associated Press, "Exposure to high levels of heat also leaves children more vulnerable to developing chronic diseases and contracting infectious ones that spread in high temperatures, such as malaria and dengue." Central Africa is currently grappling with an mpox outbreak, predominantly affecting children. The WHO has declared it a global emergency.

UNICEF's report urges governments to curb carbon emissions to control rising temperatures and protect the youngest and most vulnerable populations.

"They are growing up in countries that have contributed almost nothing to climate change but are facing some of the toughest consequences," Knaute emphasized.

(With inputs from agencies.)