Dhaka:Human-caused climate change has been linked to a significant increase in preterm births in Bangladesh during an extreme heat event in April 2024. Analysis by Zero Carbon Analytics (ZCA) indicates that around 5,515 excess preterm births occurred during this period, with 1,479 attributed directly to climate change-induced warming.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the heat event, which was made 45 times more likely by human-induced climate change, represents an 11.9% increase in preterm births. This equates to roughly 19 additional preterm births per 1,000 births, marking the highest rate among the countries studied.
The research highlights the uneven distribution of the heat's impact across Bangladesh. Dhaka and Chittagong divisions accounted for almost half of the excess preterm births. Mymensingh experienced the largest temperature increase, with a rise of 3.59°C, contributing to a high rate of preterm births despite a smaller population.
Projections suggest that, without additional adaptation measures, Bangladesh could see approximately 1,500 excess preterm births during a typical April by mid-century due to rising global temperatures. The research underscores the necessity of integrating heat protection into maternal healthcare to mitigate risks for pregnant women and newborns.
Dr. Joanne Bentley-McKune of ZCA emphasized the importance of adaptation measures such as improved antenatal care and early warning systems to address the disproportionate impact of climate-driven extreme weather on Bangladesh. Prof Dr. Iqbal Kabir called for coordinated action across health systems and climate policy to protect vulnerable communities from extreme heat.