The Overview

Significant changes in weather patterns have increased variability and unpredictability of rainfall presenting a major threat to vulnerable Ugandan Communities. Frequent prolonged droughts and rainfall which is less regular has turned perennial rivers into seasonal rivers, and some water sources dry out during dry seasons, which was not the case more than 15 years ago. Ecosystems that are at most risk are Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), wetlands and forest resources, and water resources.

The progressive, systematic and induced unsustainable management of these ecosystems has caused declining resource productivity and resilience, resource scarcities, inequitable access that breeds conflicts, population displacements and worsen human vulnerability. As such, ecosystem management and restoration are key for enhancing land productivity, reducing ill health, reducing poverty and enhancing resilience of resource-dependent populations. Increasing the capacity of local communities to adapt to, and implement health and livelihood options that are resilient to climate change are options for consideration.

PICSA Uganda will commit to enhance the capacity of local institutions and community groups to support local adaptation and disaster risk reduction initiatives. Our approach will ensure integration of factors that affect resilience and effective ecosystem management such as population, health dynamics, economic activities, and legislation and regulation. PICSA Uganda will also continue to participate in climate change dialogue and policy processes, undertake research and documentation of adaptation options to inform policy review.

Approach

Piloting Integrated Climate Resilient Reproductive, Maternal and Newborn health services

PICSA Uganda piloted and implemented Integrated Climate Resilient Reproductive Health Services to increase the community resilience to reproductive, maternal and newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services and livelihood in Moyo district where the population are highly vulnerable to climatic risks, directly impacting communities’ health, energy needs and well-being. Our Interventions had health workers trained, women trained on climate resilient farming model and business skills.

Women and adolescent girls accessing comprehensive SRHR information and services. Women and adolescent girls provided and accessing modern family planning services. 500 women and adolescent girls provided emergency menstrual hygiene products information. Women and adolescent girls received emergency contraceptive services.

Mothers had access to climatic resilient maternal services such as antenatal care, delivery and post-natal care and family planning services. 2000 newborn and children under-fives had access to climatic health services such as vaccination, clinical services, feeding and weaning practices. Under-five children received climatic resilient health services through IMNCI provided by the (VHT), guided by the trained health professionals as part of integration of health services.

Challenges

Uganda is experiencing more extreme weather events, such as unpredictable droughts and rainfall, and more frequent and severe flooding, mudslides, and lands. Climate change is a major health threat in Uganda, affecting the health sector in many ways, including: Water-borne diseases: Floods contaminate water sources with pollutants, leading to diseases like cholera and typhoid.

Vector-borne diseases: Heavy rainfall creates stagnant water, which increases the breeding of mosquitoes that carry diseases like malaria.  Malnutrition: Droughts affect the availability of safe water, and food production and distribution are disrupted.  Mental health: Climate change can cause mental health effects. Health infrastructure: Climate change can destroy hospitals and health facilities.

Solutions

  1. Climate services for health: Providing health professionals with climate data, and information to help them anticipate, prepare for, and respond to climate-related health risks.
  2. Health workforce: Training health workers and building capacity for the community health workforce.
  3. Disease surveillance: Enhancing disease surveillance systems.
  4. Early warning: Investing in improved early warning and response systems for climate sensitive health hazard.

Impact To Date

20 health workers trained.
500 women trained on climate resilient farming model and business.
1,500 mothers had access to climatic resilient maternal services such as antenatal care, delivery and post-natal care and family planning services.
2,000 Under-five children received climatic resilient health services through IMNCI provided by the (VHT), guided by the trained health professionals as part of integration of health services.

OUR PARTNERS

Interested in partnering on our work in Uganda?