A recent report by UNICEF has shed light on the growing health risks faced by children in West and Central Africa as a result of increasing exposure to extreme heat. The report highlights a concerning trend, with the frequency of heatwaves in the region having more than quadrupled since the 1960s.
Earlier this year, West Africa experienced an unprecedented heatwave that resulted in a significant rise in fatalities. In Mali, one hospital reported 102 deaths in just the first four days of April, compared to 130 deaths for the entire month of April last year. While the exact number of deaths attributed to the extreme weather remains unknown due to restrictions imposed by the country's military rulers, the impact on public health is evident.
The report underscores the serious health implications of extreme heat for children and pregnant women, including a higher risk of stillbirths, low birth weight, and preterm births. Additionally, exposure to high temperatures increases children's vulnerability to chronic diseases and infectious illnesses such as malaria and dengue, which thrive in hot climates.
Meanwhile, Central Africa is grappling with an outbreak of mpox, a contagious disease previously known as monkeypox, which disproportionately affects children. Recent data from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that nearly 70% of mpox cases in Congo involve children under the age of 15, who also account for 85% of related fatalities. The World Health Organization has declared the mpox outbreak a global emergency.
The UNICEF report calls on governments to take urgent action to curb carbon emissions and mitigate the impact of rising temperatures on children. Despite contributing minimally to climate change, children in these regions are bearing the brunt of its consequences. It is imperative that immediate steps are taken to safeguard their health and well-being.
