Four UN agencies launch the first priority indicators on extreme heat and the health of mothers, newborns and children
21 October 2026
WHO, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), UNICEF and the UN reproductive health agency UNFPA launched a new framework of priority indicators, reported by UN News on 21 October 2026.
It is the first set of priority indicators focused on the impact of extreme heat on pregnancy, newborns and young children.
Countries are advised to monitor pre-term births, stillbirths, low birthweight, pregnancy hypertension, child deaths and health-facility visits during extreme heat.
Monitoring school attendance can also show how heat disrupts children's lives.
An estimated 1.5 billion children worldwide are exposed to heatwaves that are becoming more frequent, longer or more severe.
Agencies:
WHO, WMO, UNICEF, UNFPA
Children exposed to heatwaves:
1.5 billion
Why it matters for exams: Climate-health links and the mandates of UN agencies such as UNFPA and WMO are common in health and environment papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC