Heatwave KiLLS 400 children in Asia, Europe – UNICEF

Soaring summer temperatures in Europe and Central Asia are killing nearly 400 children each year, according to a new analysis by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) released on Wednesday.

UNICEF revealed that in 2021, 377 children died from heat-related illnesses in 23 countries across the region. Half of these children were in their first year of life.

Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, stated, “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.” She warned that high temperatures could quickly cause serious health issues for children, which can be life-threatening without proper care.

UNICEF highlighted that heat exposure can affect children even before birth, leading to pre-term births, low birth weight, stillbirth, and congenital anomalies. Heat stress can also directly lead to death, hinder infant growth, and increase the risk of pediatric diseases.

Additionally, UNICEF noted that extreme heat caused the loss of more than 32,000 years of healthy life among children and teenagers in the region. The year 2024 has seen record-high temperatures, with June being the hottest month on record globally and the thirteenth consecutive record-setting month.

UNICEF is urging governments in Europe and Central Asia to invest in heat health action plans and primary healthcare to better support children affected by heat-related illnesses. They are also calling for investments in heat alert systems, reducing temperatures in educational facilities, ensuring safe drinking water, and equipping buildings to minimize heat exposure.

UNICEF is working with governments and communities across the region to build resilience against heatwaves by providing teachers, families, and community health workers with the knowledge and skills to combat heat stress.