PURPOSE:
This presentation aims to share experiences and emerging evidence on the challenges posed by climate change in rural Pakistan and highlight the critical role of midwives in delivering maternal and newborn health (MNH) care in climate-affected regions. It presents insights from a climate and health webinar and two pilot studies conducted in Pakistan regarding impact of extreme cold and hot weather on maternal and newborn care.

DISCUSSION:
Communities in rural and remote areas of Pakistan are increasingly vulnerable to climate extremes such as heatwaves, floods, and severe cold, all of which directly impact maternal and newborn health outcomes. The webinar engaged frontline midwives, public health professionals, and educators in dialogue on climate-sensitive care, resilience building, and adaptive strategies. Participants highlighted the urgent need for practical training and guidelines to prepare midwives for emergencies such as displacement, road inaccessibility, and lack of clean water and energy.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Masters Thesis 1: Ullah, I. (2023). Experiences of indigenous women with maternal nutrition in climate change (cold weather) in rural Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: Implications for maternal-infant health (Unpublished master's dissertation). Aga Khan University. Masters Thesis 2: Sultan, S. (2023). Exploring midwives’ challenges and strategies to provide care in maternity settings during the harsh winter weather in the northern areas of Pakistan: A qualitative study (Unpublished master's thesis). Aga Khan University.

KEY MESSAGE:
Climate change is a global public health challenge, and its implications for MNH demand urgent attention. Midwives must be equipped—through both pre-service and in-service education—to deliver climate-sensitive care. Policy, research, and funding should be redirected toward developing midwifery competencies in climate resilience, especially for those serving rural and under-resourced communities. Strengthening midwifery capacity is essential to safeguarding maternal and newborn health in an era of environmental uncertainty. Poster session 4 (Group B)