Pregnant women, children and the elderly are at risk due to high temperatures

GENEVA (EFE).— The high temperatures, droughts and other situations which are derived from the climate change have “serious repercussions” on the mental and physical health of pregnant women, children and the elderly populationthe World Health Organization (WHO) warned yesterday.

These groups are “especially exposed” to the effects of climate change, warned Anayda Portela, an expert in Maternal Health, Newborns, Children, Adolescents and Seniors, who called for greater investment to be made to protect these populations.

Several studies published this week by the UN health agency reveal alarming data on The impact of high temperatures and air pollution on pregnant womenas a higher probability of present premature birth, as well as other negative impacts on the brain and lung development of the fetus.

In addition, unusually high temperatures may be associated with hypertension and gestational diabetes.

Risk of high temperatures in children

As regards the child population, the WHO expert warned that each additional degree Celsius of average minimum temperature above 23.9 degrees Celsius increases the risk of infant mortality up to 22.4 percent.

In additionExtreme heat severely affects the elderly populationwho are more likely to suffer heart attacks and respiratory problems due to heat waves.

Other effects of climate change, such as drought in Somalia and floods in Pakistan and Brazil, reduce access to drinking water and food supplies, leading to an increase in diarrheal diseases and malnutrition among the most vulnerable groups.

Given this situation, The WHO expert urged governments around the world to promote specific measures that protect health at different stages of life, as well as ensuring that health and care services are prepared to meet the needs of people most exposed to climate disasters.