A new UNICEF report released Wednesday has sounded the alarm on the escalating threat posed by extreme heat to children in West and Central Africa.
The frequency of heatwaves in the region has quadrupled since the 1960s, with a particularly severe heatwave earlier this year leading to a surge in deaths.
One hospital in Mali reported a staggering 102 deaths in the first four days of April, compared to 130 for the entire month last year. While the exact cause of these fatalities is unclear due to data restrictions imposed by the country’s military rulers, the extreme heat is suspected to be a significant factor.
The report underscores the severe health risks posed by extreme heat, particularly for children and pregnant women. Increased exposure to high temperatures is linked to higher rates of stillbirths, low birth weight, and preterm births. Additionally, children are more susceptible to developing chronic diseases and contracting infectious illnesses such as malaria and dengue, which thrive in warmer conditions.
To compound the crisis, Central Africa is currently grappling with an mpox outbreak that disproportionately affects children. Nearly 70% of mpox cases in Congo are among children under 15, with a mortality rate of 85% in this age group. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a global emergency on Wednesday.
UNICEF is urging governments to take immediate action to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change on children. “They are growing up in countries that have contributed almost nothing to climate change but are facing some of the toughest consequences,” said David Knaute, a UNICEF climate specialist.