THE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Describe the health impacts of extreme heat on pregnant women and newborns. Identify physiological and social determinants of heat stress in pregnancy. Apply UNICEF's "B.E.A.T. the Heat" communication framework to provide health promotion education. Demonstrate clinical assessment and management of heat-related illnesses during pregnancy.

THE PROCESS/ACTIVITIES:
This interactive, practical workshop empowers midwives with the clinical and communication skills needed to prevent and address heat stress in pregnancy, an increasingly urgent issue in most global regions. Aligned with the ICM 2026 theme ‘One Million More Midwives’, this 90-minute workshop highlights how midwives are uniquely positioned to lead climate-responsive care and community education, particularly in underserved and climate-vulnerable settings. Using the UNFPA APRO and Burnet training package, and UNICEF’s "B.E.A.T. the Heat" framework, participants will gain practical tools to empower women, families, and communities with the knowledge to prevent heat stress and heat-related illness, and to recognize and manage heat-related illness in the clinical setting. This training was piloted online with over 320 maternal health professionals across the Asia-Pacific in 2025. The workshop activities include: •Brief presentation and overview of the impacts of heat on women's health and pregnancy outcomes. •Demonstrations, case scenarios, and simulations focusing on health promotion, clinical assessment, and management. •Group discussions on adapting messages for diverse communities.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:
This workshop will be interactive and immersive, with active participation expected from participants. This includes participating in clinical simulation, case scenarios, and peer feedback in groups of 6. Simulation equipment will be supplied by facilitators. Additional reading Rekha S, et al. Heat stress and adverse pregnancy outcome: prospective cohort study. BJOG. 2024. Chersich MF, et al. Increasing global temperatures threaten gains in maternal and newborn health in Africa: a review of impacts and an adaptation framework. Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2023. UNICEF. Protecting Children From Heat Stress: A Technical Note. UNICEF; 2023.