The presentation of the analytical review "The Impact of Climate Change on Reproductive Health in Kyrgyzstan" was conducted by experts Zhyldyz Kuvatova and Baktygul Bozgorpoeva. The work, carried out with the support of UNFPA, examines the impact of extreme temperatures, air pollution, weather anomalies, and water scarcity on the availability of medical services and the health of mothers and newborns.
According to the study, children born in a changing climate will find themselves in a world where the number of extreme weather events and heatwaves will significantly increase, negatively affecting their health throughout their lives. Fetuses and young children, as the most vulnerable groups, are susceptible to heat stress, which can adversely affect their physical development.
The review emphasizes that heat stress may contribute to an increase in the number of preterm births, which has risen by 18% in Kyrgyzstan since 2010. However, more detailed analysis of the relationship between heat stress and preterm births requires additional data that is currently not being collected. Statistics on air pollution since 2011 indicate the influence of anthropogenic factors; however, data on emissions of harmful substances from stationary sources is insufficient for a comprehensive assessment of the situation.
Climate change also negatively impacts the infrastructure that supports reproductive health. At the same time, the Ministry of Emergency Situations does not keep track of damages in healthcare, complicating the analysis of the burden on medical infrastructure in the context of a deteriorating climate. Research is needed to understand how prepared healthcare systems are for extreme conditions.
Extreme weather conditions eliminate access to maternal health and family planning services. From 2015 to 2024, the country recorded 767 emergencies, but there is no data on damages in healthcare, making it difficult to assess the impact of climate on the availability of these services.
According to available data, 4,680 people died as a result of natural disasters from 2015 to 2024. However, statistics on the number of pregnant women among the affected are absent. Natural disasters also increase the risks of gender-based violence and worsen women's reproductive health.
In 2023, the volume of pollutant emissions into the atmosphere from stationary sources amounted to 62,300 tons, which is 24% more than in 2019. It is particularly noteworthy that emissions of particulate matter and carbon monoxide have increased, negatively impacting reproductive health.
"Some studies show that increased concentrations of particulate matter in the air can worsen sperm quality in men and cause menstrual cycle disorders in women," the review notes.Polluted air is also associated with decreased fertility, especially in countries with high pollution levels. "The increase in particulate emissions in Kyrgyzstan over the past five years raises the risks of diseases affecting reproductive health. Carbon monoxide, even in small concentrations, can reduce blood oxygen levels, increasing risks for pregnant women," the document states.
It also points to the connection between air pollution and chronic respiratory diseases and other illnesses that can negatively affect women's reproductive function. Water pollution and access to clean water are vital factors for reproductive and maternal health.
In 2023, the volume of water supplied to the country was 447.2 million cubic meters, which is more than in 2019 (401.3 million cubic meters). However, most of this water does not undergo purification.
- Contaminated water can cause infections that worsen women's reproductive health and increase the risks of complications during pregnancy.
- Pesticides and heavy metals in water can disrupt reproductive organ function and decrease fertility.
- Toxic substances in contaminated water can lead to complications during pregnancy and negatively affect fetal development.
- Poorly purified water can become a source of infections dangerous for pregnant women and infants.
- Problems with access to clean water can lead to numerous diseases that impair reproductive health.
However, as noted by the authors of the review, there is a lack of data on the population exposed to risks from hazardous substances, complicating the development of effective solutions in the field of reproductive health. The issue of medical waste disposal remains relevant, as the lack of research does not allow for an assessment of the volumes and sources of such waste.
"Until 2024, issues of climate change and reproductive health were not considered within a unified state agenda, leading to fragmentation of data and a lack of coordinated approaches to addressing these problems," the document notes.
Despite the importance of these interconnections, state policy hardly takes reproductive health into account in the context of climate change. "Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia are already experiencing transboundary consequences of the climate crisis, which requires comprehensive solutions at the national policy level and international cooperation," the researchers emphasize.
Photo on the main page is illustrative: meteovesti.ru.
