UNFPA announces winners of cutting-edge climate change research awards

New York, 2 September 2024 - UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, in collaboration with academic partners, is pleased to announce the six winners of a groundbreaking initiative to research the impact of the climate crisis on women and girls and unlock innovative solutions that protect their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

The contest Climate Change XX: Women's Health in Focus was launched in June 2024 and aims to empower women and girls on the front lines of the climate crisis, who are often best positioned to develop innovative climate solutions - but overlooked by policymakers when designing climate programmes.

As the winners demonstrate, women play a critical role in the fight against climate change: They see the direct impact of extreme heat and weather-related displacement on the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls. They can also help ensure that health systems are resilient and able to withstand climate shocks - so that women and girls can access modern contraception, maternal health services and safe spaces.

The research challenge drew 262 submissions from 30 countries, with entries spanning six global regions. After an extensive selection process by an expert panel of judges from UNFPA and IE University in Spain, six winners were chosen, representing a diverse group of young female researchers. Among the selected research topics are the impact of climate change on pregnant and lactating women, the reproductive health of girls and women with diabetes, and how indigenous knowledge is helping refugees adapt to climate changes during pregnancy and childbirth.

"We are excited to see such innovative and impactful research from young female scientists. Their work is crucial in advancing our understanding and response to the health challenges posed by climate change," said Dr. Nigina Muntean, Chief of the Innovation Unit at UNFPA.

The winners will each receive around $15,000 in seed funding and gain access to a four-month mentorship programme to support their research provided by MIT Solve, an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that advances socially impactful innovation, and IE University. Winning teams will also be provided with academic support, including access to training in management, entrepreneurship and analysis.

The winners of the research challenge are:

1. Afraa H. Hassan and Suzan Abdel Rahman, Egypt

Research Title: Investigating temperature effects on maternal stress during pregnancy

Affiliation: Global Researcher Club

This research seeks to understand the effects of temperature on maternal stress during pregnancy in Sudan and Egypt. By analyzing the relationship between ambient temperature and stress levels, they aim to develop public health strategies that reduce temperature-related stress, improving maternal and infant health outcomes in places experiencing climate change.

2. Elisa Bezerra de Carvalho Oliveira and Shélyda Raiane Rodrigues Machado, Brazil

Research Title: Impact of extreme heat and rising temperatures on pregnancy outcomes in Teresina, Brazil

Affiliation: Coordination of the 2030 Agenda/Teresina City Hall

This research studies the effects of extreme heat and rising temperatures on pregnancy outcomes in Teresina, Brazil, focusing on Afro-descendent and pardo women. Through primary data collection in urban areas, the study explores the links between heat exposure, maternal health risks, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities.

3. Fatima Amponsah Fordjour and team, Ghana

Research Title: Role of climate change in transmission of parasitic infection among women and related complications (Northern Ghana)

Affiliation: University for Development Studies

This study examines the health impacts of severe drought and contamination by parasites (schistosomes) of water sources on women in the Tolon District of Northern Ghana. The team will explore how these environmental challenges affect reproductive health and impact parasitic infection, infertility and HIV risk.

4. Nodira Turgunova and Nozima Uralova, Uzbekistan

Research Title: Assessing the impact of climate change on the reproductive health of women and girls with Type 1 diabetes in Uzbekistan

Affiliation: Nadirabegim NGO

This research evaluates how climate change affects the reproductive health of girls and women living with Type 1 diabetes in Uzbekistan. It examines the impact of rising temperatures on blood sugar levels, menstrual cycle and metabolism patterns, aiming to develop practical guidelines to help mitigate complications.

5. Stutilina Pal and Prarthana Lumba, India

Research Title: The impact of climate change on young lactating women in tribal districts in India

Affiliation: Srijan India

This study looks into the impact of climate change on the health of young lactating women in tribal districts of Chhindwara, in the state of Madhya Pradesh. By exploring how environmental stressors exacerbate anaemia and other health issues, the research aims to highlight the health and socio-cultural challenges faced by these women and to inform targeted interventions to resolve them.

6. Tracy Alexis Kakyo, Uganda

Research Title: Understanding indigenous climate mitigation techniques for pregnancy and childbirth among refugees and host communities

Affiliation: Muni University

This study explores how traditional knowledge in rural refugee and host communities helps women adapt to pregnancy and childbirth in places that have experienced climate change. By analyzing relations between the historical weather patterns and pregnancy outcomes, and documenting indigenous and modern adaptation methods, this research aims to develop culturally sensitive, sustainable strategies to enhance maternal health amid modern climate challenges.

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