Setting research priorities to understand and address the impact of climate change on the health of women and children in low-income and middle-income countries using the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative method

Abstract

Climate change is a substantial global health threat in the 21st century, disproportionately affecting low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), which face significant climate risks, pre-existing vulnerabilities, and have relatively few interventions in place. With a scarcity of research in LMICs, and diminishing development assistance, setting priorities to address climate change-related health impacts on women and children is both urgent and prudent. We consulted 88 climate and health researchers between 2022 and 2024 to generate relevant questions regarding climate change impacts on women and children's health and potential solutions. A diverse group of 52 experts prioritised a shortlist of 70 questions using the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative method. The top three priorities included vulnerability mapping, integrating climate metrics into surveillance, and long-term heat exposure effects. This Health Policy underscores key knowledge gaps in climate-related health outcomes affecting women and children in LMICs, and suggests a focused research agenda for guiding global investments in resilience and adaptation.