Effects of Climate Change, Maternal and Child Health Nutrition

Global warming and climate change are issuesthat interests notonlythe academic or political circlesbut have entered the doorstep of every country, state, metropolis, town and village with obvious warning signs. Though climate change is the largest health threat the world is facing today, it also brings in a great opportunity to redefine the social and environmental determinants of health. Women and children are affected disproportionately by climate change more due to social, economic and cultural factors particularly in low-income countries and in rural areas. This can involve issues like food and water scarcity, displacement, migration, loss of housing, education, early marriage, gender violence, job losses which affect women more. Major burden here is on nutrition with increasing malnurition in women and children. We have re-iterated that it is time for policy actionand financing at political level and action at individual level to consider the specific needs maternal and child health care in climate change hazards. It is our collective responsibility to listen and put mother and child at the centre of urgent climate agenda. Urgent actions are needed in reduction of greenhouse gases, with specific inclusion of needs of pregnant women, babies and children in climate related policies.