El Niño Poses Increased Risk to Pregnant Women and Newborns in Crisis-Hit Countries

El Niño Poses Increased Risk to Pregnant Women and Newborns in Crisis-Hit Countries
———————————————–
An intensifying El Niño weather pattern could increase the risk of maternal and newborn deaths for millions of families, particularly in countries already facing high mortality rates, midwives have warned.

According to a report published by The Guardian on November 13, around 15 million babies are expected to be born in November and December in countries classified as high-risk for El Niño, including Nigeria, Chad, Somalia, South Sudan, the Central African Republic and Afghanistan.

Midwives warn that floods, cyclones and extreme heat could prevent pregnant women from reaching hospitals and maternity services, while worsening malnutrition, dehydration and electricity shortages. In Bangladesh, flooding has previously blocked roads to health facilities, while temperatures exceeding 40°C in Malawi have disrupted antenatal care.

The International Confederation of Midwives says climate-related emergencies could further endanger women and newborns, particularly in communities already affected by poverty and inadequate healthcare.

The organisation is urging governments to strengthen maternity services and prepare for extreme weather, as campaigners call for greater attention to maternal health at the COP31 climate summit in Turkey.