Maternal and Newborn Health Research Roundup – October 2024

1.

How climate change degrades child health: A systematic review and meta-analysis

A recent study revealed that children and babies are the most vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change. The study found that the strongest effects were temperature extremes increasing preterm birth (60% on average), and that children and babies are the most affected by climate change, carrying 88% of the health burden created by climate change. Researchers also found that low- and middle-income countries, especially in Africa and Asia, bore the highest burden of climate change-related health problems. The authors urge for more action to protect children and babies from the effects of climate change and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (10 April 2024)  

2.

Temperature-related neonatal deaths attributable to climate change in 29 low- and middle-income countries

A study of 29 low- and middle-income countries reveals the alarming impact of climate change on neonatal mortality. Using data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) covering 40,073 births between 2001 and 2019, the research found that 4.3% of neonatal deaths were linked to non-optimal temperatures. Climate change was responsible for 32% of heat-related neonatal deaths, while it reduced cold-related deaths by 30%. The most significant climate-induced losses were observed in sub-Saharan Africa, where increased heat posed a severe threat to newborns. The study underscores the urgent need for ambitious mitigation and adaptation measures to protect neonatal health as global temperatures continue to rise. (29 June 2024) 

3.

Climate change, air pollution and maternal and newborn health: An overview of reviews of health outcomes 

A recent study underscores the significant threat that climate change and air pollution pose to maternal and newborn health. The comprehensive review of 79 studies reveals a consistent association between exposure to heat and air pollution with adverse birth outcomes, particularly preterm births. The findings highlight that pregnant women and newborns are especially vulnerable to these environmental hazards, with most of the reviewed studies published after 2015 focusing on outdoor air pollution, heat, and flood/storm disasters. Despite limited evidence on the impacts of climate-related food and water security and the absence of reviews on climate-sensitive infectious diseases, the study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted climate policies and actions to mitigate these risks and protect maternal and newborn health. (24 May 2024) 

4.

Impact of climate change on maternal health outcomes: An evidence gap map review 

A recent study provides a critical examination of the existing research on how climate change affects maternal health. The review integrates findings from 133 studies, highlighting significant gaps in the literature, particularly in regions like Africa and the Caribbean. The study underscores that extreme heat is a prominent factor adversely impacting maternal well-being, leading to complications such as preterm births and maternal mortality. However, it also points out the need for more research on other climate-related factors like drought, malnutrition, and food insecurity. The evidence gap map calls for global collaboration and targeted interventions to address these disparities and inform climate-responsive policies, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to protect maternal health in the face of climate change. (19 August 2024)  

5.

Special Collection: Implementation Research Evidence for Prevention and Treatment of Postpartum Hemorrhage in High-Burden Low- and Middle-Income Countries 

A recent special collection presents crucial findings on the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in resource-limited settings. This comprehensive research, conducted across nine low- and middle-income countries, highlights the effectiveness of introducing heat-stable carbetocin and tranexamic acid as key interventions. The studies demonstrate that these medications are not only feasible and acceptable for use by healthcare providers but also significantly reduce the incidence of PPH, a leading cause of maternal mortality. The collection underscores the importance of integrating these interventions into routine maternal healthcare to improve outcomes and save lives in high-burden settings. The findings advocate for policy changes and increased investment in maternal health to ensure these life-saving treatments are widely accessible. (23 September 2024)