El Niño Threatens Millions in Crisis Zones

El Niño is increasing the risk of death during childbirth for millions of women in crisis-affected regions. Converging extreme weather events, including floods, cyclones, and intense heat, are forecast to peak in the coming months, posing a significant threat to pregnant women.

These weather phenomena are expected to disrupt access to medical facilities, particularly for women in labor. In November and December, approximately 15 million babies are anticipated to be born in countries identified as high-risk for El Niño's impacts. Many of these nations, such as Nigeria, Chad, and Afghanistan, already contend with alarmingly high rates of maternal and newborn mortality.

Midwives are reporting that heatwaves are deterring women from attending antenatal care appointments due to extreme temperatures and the inability to afford transportation. Power outages further complicate delivery procedures, forcing midwives to work in challenging conditions. Previous El Niño events have led to widespread food shortages, increasing malnutrition rates which contribute to low birth weight and severe maternal bleeding.

Campaigners highlight that the amplified effects of El Niño, potentially worsened by global heating, underscore the urgent need for governments to take action at climate summits. The International Confederation of Midwives has developed resources, such as a manual on surviving extreme heat, to help mitigate the risks associated with these conditions.