Extreme Heat Correlates with Higher Infant Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa

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