Priority indicators to monitor the impact of heat exposure on maternal, newborn and child health

As the frequency, duration and intensity of extreme heat events increase, pregnant and postpartum women, newborns and children face growing risks to their health and well-being. Yet important gaps remain in our ability to monitor and respond to the impacts of heat on maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH). 

This publication presents a set of priority indicators identified by WHO, WMO, UNICEF and UNFPA to support monitoring of the impact of heat exposure on MNCH. The indicators are organized across four domains: routine MNCH monitoring, public health and surveillance systems, climate and health monitoring, and measures of heat exposure. Core and additional indicators are proposed to enable countries to address their specific contextual needs. The publication also guides on the combined analysis of health indicators and heat exposure data. Together, these priority indicators offer a practical starting point for identifying trends, signaling potential impacts, informing program adaptation and supporting action to protect women, newborns and children in a warming world.