Climate, Children, and Consequences: The Impact of Climate Change on Child Health in Southern Mozambique

As climate change intensifies, extreme heat is becoming a growing threat to health—particularly for young children in low and middle income countries. This project explores how rising temperatures affect child health in Mozambique, a country already facing high burdens of infectious disease, malnutrition, and health system strain. The research will investigate whether heatwaves and high temperatures are linked to increased hospital admissions for illnesses such as diarrhoea, respiratory infections, and fever in children under five. Using 15 years of hospital and climate data from Manhiça District, the project aims to identify patterns and risks, and to generate evidence that can inform health services and climate adaptation planning. The research also supports local collaboration, ensuring Mozambican voices and institutions are central in the design, analysis, and use of findings. The project is part of a broader effort to strengthen climate resilience in child health and contribute to global efforts to reduce climate-related health inequalities. Ultimately, this work will provide much-needed data for policymakers, clinicians, and communities seeking to protect children from the growing health risks of a warming world.