The unusual rise in temperatures poses grave risks, particularly to newborns, infants, and young children who are considered to be an especially vulnerable population to heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and diarrhoea.
According to UNICEF鈥檚 2021 Children鈥檚 Climate Risk Index, children in Bangladesh are at 鈥榚xtremely high risk鈥� of the impacts of climate change, said a press release on Wednesday.
鈥榃ith an oppressive heat wave persisting throughout Bangladesh, UNICEF remains deeply concerned about the health and safety of children across the country due to sweltering temperatures,鈥� said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF representative in Bangladesh.
As the Primary and Mass Education Ministry has ordered the closure of all government primary schools in the country through to 27 April due to concerns with the impact of rising temperatures on children, UNICEF urged the parents to be extra vigilant in keeping their children hydrated and safe.
It also emphasised the urgent need for action to protect children from the worsening impacts of climate change and prioritising the well-being of children and the most vulnerable populations as temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels.
To protect children from this heat wave, UNICEF urged frontline workers, parents, families, caregivers and local authorities to protect children and pregnant women.