Extreme Heat Correlates with Higher Infant Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa
A recent study reveals that rising temperatures significantly increase neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable populations amid climate change.
Recent research highlights a alarming link between rising temperatures and infant mortality rates in Sub-Saharan Africa, which already bears the world’s highest infant mortality rate, with 27 out of every 1,000 newborns dying within their first month. The study underscores that increasing heat exposure during pregnancy can adversely impact fetal development, as extreme temperatures may reduce placental blood flow and cause dehydration, potentially leading to fetal harm. Additionally, such heat conditions can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and pose challenges for pregnant women to access essential prenatal care.
The study, conducted by Jiafu An and colleagues, analyzed 883,623 birth records from 33 African nations spanning 2006 to 2022, correlating birth outcomes with local climate data. Results indicate that an extra 50 days of exposure to extreme heat during pregnancy is associated with an increase of 1 to 4 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births, primarily affecting rural areas. The data also show that socio-economic disadvantages amplify this risk, with less educated and financially constrained mothers experiencing more severe impacts. The researchers advocate for targeted interventions, including community health support, infrastructure improvements in education and electricity, and broader economic development to safeguard vulnerable women and improve neonatal outcomes.
This important study emphasizes the urgent need to address climate-related health risks and reinforce maternal and infant healthcare infrastructure in vulnerable regions, especially as global temperatures continue to rise.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-extreme-infant-mortality-saharan-africa.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Targeting a Key Protein to Prevent Food Allergy Disorders
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have identified the protein TSLP as a critical factor in the development of food allergy-related conditions like Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Blocking TSLP could lead to new therapeutic approaches for managing these chronic inflammatory diseases.
Balancing Benefits and Risks of Lung Cancer Screening: What You Need to Know
Lung cancer screening can save lives through early detection, but it also carries risks like overdiagnosis, unnecessary procedures, and incidental findings. Learn about the benefits and potential harms of screening programs.
Experimental Injectable Drug Shows Promise in Treating Aggressive Breast and Skin Cancers
A new injectable immunotherapy drug shows promising results in shrinking aggressive breast and skin cancer tumors, marking a significant step forward in cancer treatment research.
Innovative Approaches to Combat Kidney Disease by Targeting Neutrophils
Emerging research reveals how targeted therapies against neutrophils and NETs could revolutionize treatment for various kidney diseases, reducing inflammation and tissue damage.