New Delhi, May 19, 2024 — A recent study by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has revealed alarming findings on the impact of climate hazards on women and children in India. The study, commissioned by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, highlights that children exposed to climate hazards such as floods, cyclones, and droughts are significantly more likely to be stunted, underweight, and at risk of early pregnancies.
Underresearched Crisis
The impact of climate change on women and children is often overlooked in policy formulation. Soumya Swaminathan, chairperson of MSSRF and former chief scientist of the World Health Organization, emphasized at the WomenLift Health Global Conference 2024 in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, that this issue remains underresearched. “Our study shows that up to 70% of Indian districts are at very high risk of climate hazards, which starkly correlates with poor health outcomes for women and children,” she stated.
Regional Vulnerabilities
The study identifies specific hotspots in states such as Bihar, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Telangana, where the health impacts of climate hazards are most severe. The northern regions of Bihar and Gujarat, for example, face a combination of floods, droughts, and cyclones, leading to high rates of stunting and underweight children.
Health Outcomes
Children exposed to drought conditions are:
– 6% more likely to be stunted.
– 24% more likely to be underweight.
– 35% less likely to have a minimum diet diversity.
– 12% more likely to die if under five years old.
For women, drought exposure increases the likelihood of being underweight by 35%, child marriage by 37%, teenage pregnancy by 17%, and intimate partner violence by up to 50%.
The Role of Health Systems
Interestingly, regions like southern India and parts of coastal Odisha, despite high exposure to climate hazards, perform better in terms of child health. This disparity underscores the critical role of strong health systems in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
Policy Recommendations
The study calls for a comprehensive national strategy to address climate vulnerability, emphasizing the need for detailed, district-wise temperature data and multi-sectoral coordination. For instance, it recommends that the labor department enforce breaks for construction workers during peak heat hours to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Dr. Swaminathan pointed out the urgent need for heat action plans in every state and city, stating, “There should be clear accountability and coordination for tackling heatwaves, including financing and public messaging.”
Limitations and Future Research
While the study provides significant insights, it also acknowledges limitations due to reliance on secondary data. It highlights the need for more empirical research to understand the differential impacts of various climate hazards, particularly heatwaves, on children.
Conclusion
The findings of the MSSRF study highlight a critical and often overlooked public health crisis exacerbated by climate change. As India continues to face increasing climate hazards, it is imperative for policymakers to integrate these insights into health and climate strategies to protect the most vulnerable populations—women and children.
