New Delhi: Rising temperatures across Europe and Central Asia killed an estimated 377 children in 2021, according to a new analysis of data from 23 countries published today by UNICEF.
The increasingly rising temperatures in the region – the fastest rate of global temperature rise on record – can have serious health complications for children, particularly the youngest, including heat stress, congenital anomalies, low birth weight, and stillbirth.
“Around half of children across Europe and Central Asia — or 92 million children – are already exposed to frequent heatwaves in a region where temperatures are rising at the fastest rate globally. The increasingly high temperatures can have serious health complications for children, especially the youngest children, even in a short space of time. Without care, these complications can be life-threatening,” said Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.
The report calls on governments in the region to take urgent action to protect children from the impacts of heat, such as developing strategies to reduce the impact of heatwaves, investing in heat health action plans and primary healthcare, and adapting education facilities and urban design to minimize heat exposure.
It also stresses the importance of early warning systems, particularly for heat alert systems, and securing the provision of safe water for children.
UNICEF works with governments, partners, and communities across the region to build resilience against heatwaves. This includes equipping teachers, community health workers, and families with the skills and knowledge to respond to heat stress.