ISLAMABAD: A leading expert on maternal & infant health, Professor Zulfiqar Bhutta, Saturday warned about the destructive effects of climate change on children’s health, citing exacerbated malnutrition, stunted growth and shorter heights due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. He said we must take immediate action to mitigate the effects of climate change on child development. This requires a multi-faceted approach that involves policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities working together to address the root causes of climate change and support the most vulnerable among us, our children. In an exclusive interview with a private news channel, Professor Bhutta explained that the impact of climate change on child development is a pressing concern that cannot be ignored. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events are all taking a devastating toll on the health and well-being of children worldwide, he added. I am particularly alarmed by the effects of climate change on child growth and development, he said, adding, malnutrition, stunted growth and shorter heights are just a few of the alarming consequences we are witnessing, particularly in vulnerable communities, he highlighted. Children in low-income and marginalized communities are disproportionately affected, with limited access to healthcare, nutrition, and other essential resources, Dr Zulfiqar added. “Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the harsh effects of climate change. DNA
