The International Maternal Newborn Health Conference (IMNHC) 2026 brings together governments, civil society organizations, professional associations, and international partners from the global maternal and newborn health community to assess progress and drive collective action. It will take place from March 23–26, 2026, at The Edge Convention Center, Nairobi, Kenya, and it is one of the most important gatherings in the 2026 MNCH calendar.

HIGH Horizons is proud to contribute to this year’s conference through a dedicated satellite session on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 (14:00–17:15 EAT).

About the Session

Rising global temperatures are putting pregnant and postpartum women, newborns, young children, and the health workers who care for them at increasing risk. Studies show that pregnant women who experience heat exposure face higher risks of preterm birth, stillbirth, low birthweight, birth defects, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. Yet the impact of extreme heat on MNCH remains critically overlooked in heat health action plans and climate policy.

This session, organized by WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA through a grant received by WHO as part of the HIGH Horizons project, will share recent data and identify priority actions to integrate MNCH into climate change and health efforts across policy, programming, and monitoring. Using interactive formats, it will bring together decision makers, health workers, and advocates to explore what can be done at every level of the health system.

The session will move through four interconnected themes:

• Understanding why heat exposure matters for MNCH 
• Practical tools and country examples for programme managers,  
• Financing options, and 
• Pathways for integrating MNCH into broader national and global climate action. 

Speakers Highlight