WHO launches a framework to track heat risks for pregnant women, newborns and children
WHO and partners have published indicators to help countries track how extreme heat affects pregnancy and early childhood, and what this means for families.
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On 21 October 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a new global framework to help countries track how extreme heat affects the health of pregnant women, newborns and children. It was developed with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
What was announced
The framework is a set of priority indicators: measures that health systems can follow over time. WHO describes it as the first set of its kind. It is published as a WHO report, Priority indicators to monitor the impact of heat exposure on maternal, newborn and child health.
The indicators cover four areas: routine monitoring of maternal, newborn and child health; public health surveillance; climate and health monitoring; and measures of heat exposure. Countries can choose core and additional indicators to suit their own situation.
What it is meant to do
WHO suggests that countries track, during periods of extreme heat:
- preterm births, stillbirths and low birthweight
- high blood pressure in pregnancy
- deaths in childhood
- visits to health facilities
School attendance can also show how heat disrupts children’s lives.
Looking at this information alongside temperature data can help health authorities spot unusual changes during hot spells. It can also help them prepare health services for extra demand, strengthen warnings for pregnant women and families, and identify the communities most at risk.
What the WHO heat-health framework aims to monitor
Heat exposure
Measures of heat exposure and climate, so health information can be read alongside temperature data.
Health of mothers, newborns and children
Such as preterm births, stillbirths, low birthweight, high blood pressure in pregnancy, deaths in childhood and visits to health facilities.
Using the information
Spotting unusual changes during hot spells and preparing services. WHO says important gaps remain in monitoring these effects.
Why this matters
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, longer and more intense in many places. A large review of studies from 66 countries found that the odds of preterm birth were about a quarter higher during heatwaves, based on the 10 studies that looked at heatwaves. WHO also notes that pregnant women, newborns and children are among those least able to escape extreme heat.
WHO says important gaps remain in the ability to monitor and respond to these effects. The indicators are intended to help close those gaps, so that health systems can see the problem and respond to it.
What it means for families
The framework is a tool for governments and health services, which countries can adapt to their own situation. It is not a national policy, and it does not replace heat warnings or advice from your own country’s authorities. It does not change medical advice for individual families, and it is not a heat warning for any particular place.
How heat affects you depends on where you live, the weather and your own health. For advice that applies to you, follow official heat warnings and guidance from your national or local health and weather services. If you are pregnant or caring for a young child and have concerns, speak to your midwife, doctor or another health professional.
Where to find updates
- WHO’s announcement and the full report, listed in the sources below
- WHO’s heat and health fact sheet, for general information about heat and health
- your national weather service and public health authority, for warnings and advice where you live
Sources
- New global framework launched to track increasing health risks of extreme heat for pregnant women, newborns and children (news release, 21 October 2026) — World Health Organization (who.int). Accessed 24 October 2026.
- Priority indicators to monitor the impact of heat exposure on maternal, newborn and child health (21 October 2026, ISBN 978-92-4-012506-3) — World Health Organization (who.int). Accessed 24 October 2026.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of heat exposure impacts on maternal, fetal and neonatal health (Lakhoo et al., Nature Medicine, 2025) — Nature Medicine (nature.com). Accessed 24 October 2026.
- Heat and health (fact sheet, 31 July 2026) — World Health Organization (who.int). Accessed 24 October 2026.
General information
This article is for general health and lifestyle information only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For personal health concerns, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.