Uganda is at risk from climate change. The country is witnessing longer, more unpredictable rainy seasons. This increases the risk of malaria and malnutrition, both of which can be fatal. Women and Children First is working with our partners in Uganda to help people affected.
The story of one mother, Agnes, and her 8-month-old baby, Miriam, features in today’s Daily Mirror. Read their story now, among others affected by climate change, in the Mirror (https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/newborns-who-face-extreme-weather-20877015).
The adverse impact of rain, triggered by climate change, has been linked with an increase in malaria cases in the country, which can kill, if untreated, 5,000 people a year. Malaria is the third top cause of deaths in the country, and is a leading cause of death for children under 5.
Malaria rates in the country have soared to record levels in the projects that the charity is supporting.
Malaria levels are seen actually going off the chart, due to the severe increase in cases in Uganda. This increase is linked to climate change and the rainy seasons. (Photo: CUAMM)
Rain damage and flooding also damages crops, creating problems with malnutrition – again, putting mothers and their newborns at risk.
Women and Children First works with partners in countries like Uganda to set up community health groups, empowering individuals to find ways to overcome their health problems.
This includes raising awareness of malaria and its symptoms and supporting communities to reduce their risk of malaria by draining stagnant water or cutting back bushes, amongst other solutions.
To date, the groups that the charity has set up with partner charities like Doctors with Africa CUAMM, has saved over 6,250 lives, and helped many more women and children survive and thrive.
Agnes talks about the impact the change in rainy seasons has had: “The weather has changed. The dry period would start in October but this year we are in November and the rain is still heavy. The increased rain has made the roads inaccessible, damaged houses and increased breeding places for the mosquitoes that carry malaria. There are too many mosquitoes.
“I am scared my family and others are going to suffer from malaria. My baby got malaria. My baby’s body was constantly hot, yellow eyes, vomiting, she lacked appetite. I decided to bring the baby to the hospital. I felt bad, I thought my baby would not survive.
“My baby was admitted in the ward and treated with injections. She is now active and playing well.
“I know 2 other mothers who had malaria during pregnancy and they ended in miscarriage.”
“The rains have flooded areas, it has spoilt my crops. Malnutrition is a big problem and it’s increasing in our community. Now the rains are heavy and destroying our crops, it may worsen. I am worried! If I don’t have food, my family will suffer from hunger and get malnutrition.
“I am worried if the rain does not stop it will bring more problems. We shall not have enough food and there will be more sickness like malaria. I am concerned about the problems my baby will have (with climate change) as she grows because it will affect her health, her sickness will reoccur and she will not grow well.
“I want good education, health and life for my child. I want her to be a Nurse, to grow in a peaceful place with a good environment.”
A donation of just £15 can provide a women’s health group with a pack of picture cards, helping raise awareness of the danger signs of malaria, encouraging people to seek the treatment they need. Please do donate and help women and children like Agnes and Miriam overcome the problems created by climate change.