Climate resilience part 4: a call to action

Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it's a present reality, and its effects are acutely felt in northern Uganda. In this region, where communities rely heavily on agriculture for food and livelihood, the impact of changing weather patterns and extreme climate events poses significant challenges, not just for the environment but also for public health.

The climate-health connection in northern Uganda

As we know, healthcare is a fundamental right for every individual, and it is essential to ensure that everyone has access to quality and affordable healthcare services. Uganda is a low-income country located in East Africa, and the health system in the country is struggling to meet the healthcare needs of its citizens. According to the WHO, Uganda has a high burden of diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases.

The health system in Uganda is facing several challenges, including inadequate funding, a shortage of healthcare workers, poor infrastructure, and limited access to essential medicines and medical equipment. These challenges have contributed to the poor quality of healthcare services in the country, resulting in high mortality rates and low life expectancy.

Consequently, climate change is exacerbating the existing challenges facing the healthcare system in northern Uganda. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, and severe floods are disrupting food security, leading to malnutrition and related health issues. Additionally, stagnant water from floods provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the prevalence of malaria and other vector-borne diseases. The stress on agricultural systems also threatens livelihoods, which in turn affects wellbeing and community stability.

An unsafe water source in northern Uganda.

Here are some of the key ways climate change is impacting public health:

1. Food insecurity and malnutrition

Erratic weather patterns affect crop yields, leading to food shortages. Families dependent on small-scale farming face difficulties in feeding their children, which can result in malnutrition and stunted growth, particularly among children under five.

2. Increased disease burden 

Contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to the transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Warmer temperatures and unpredictable rainfall contribute to the spread of these diseases. Flooded areas create ideal conditions for waterborne and vector-borne diseases, posing a significant threat to vulnerable populations.

3. Well-being strain 

The pressures of failing crops, rising food prices, and deteriorating living conditions lead to increased stress, anxiety, and lower levels of wellbeing within communities. The psychological toll of these changes cannot be ignored, especially as it affects the most vulnerable—women, children, and the elderly.

The KHC’s community health outreach in action.

What are we doing to build resilience and adapt?

Our Cents for Seeds program is designed to empower women by providing them with the seeds, tools, and training to grow crops that feed their families and generate income. As climate change continues to threaten these livelihoods, the program must adapt to protect the health and well-being of these communities.

Here’s how we’re changing the Cents for Seeds program to mitigate the health risks associated with climate change:

1. Diversifying crop options

We began introducing drought-resistant and fast-growing crop varieties to help farmers adapt to erratic weather patterns. Crops like green gram or mung bean are more resilient in harsh conditions and can help sustain food production even during droughts or floods. This ensures a more stable food supply and reduces the risk of malnutrition.

2. Access to clean water

Access to clean water is crucial, not only for crop irrigation but also for reducing the spread of waterborne diseases, improving hygiene, and ensuring communities have safe drinking water. Through Well Worth It, Love Mercy is increasing access to clean water, reducing the health risks for communities who previously relied on unsafe and contaminated water sources. As well as providing Cents for Seeds participants with a consistent water source for their crops, Well Worth It helps reduce the spread of waterborne diseases by providing communities with safe drinking water.

3. Water harvesting and conservation 

Over the past 4 years, we have also started implementing water conservation techniques such as rainwater harvesting and small-scale irrigation systems to mitigate the impact of droughts and prolonged dry spells.

4. Community health outreach

Through the Kristina Health Centre, our rural clinic in the heart of northern Uganda, the team of local healthcare professionals conduct various outreach programs throughout the year. As part of this, the KHC run a vaccine drive for various diseases including Polio, which is transmissible through contaminated water. To address the more immediate health concerns exacerbated by climate change, the KHC promotes safe hygiene practices and provides information on sanitation to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

5. Wellbeing support 

Another way we ensure Cents for Seeds is climate resilient is by enrolling all participants in a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) that works as a community-based financial institution in lieu of a bank. VSLAs help members accumulate wealth collectively, provide emergency assistance when needed, empower women with financial inclusion, teach financial literacy, and enable further Income Generating Activities.

Additionally, VSLAs work to strengthen community bonds and foster a sense of solidarity among its members. This helps Cents for Seeds participants cope with the emotional and psychological stress caused by climate-related challenges as members feel connected in their struggles and can work together to build on their resilience.

 KHC staff administer an immunisation during their annual vaccine drive.

 A sustainable future for northern Uganda

By adapting to the realities of climate change, we can continue to build resilient communities in northern Uganda. Our Cents for Seeds program is already making a tremendous impact, and with some adjustments, we can ensure that the women and families we support are equipped to face the future—no matter what challenges arise.

Together, we can not only protect public health but also nurture a future where communities thrive, crops flourish, and every family has the opportunity to live a life of health and dignity.

By focusing on innovative solutions and community-driven efforts, Love Mercy is committed to mitigating the detrimental health impact of climate change, ensuring that northern Uganda remains a place where hope and health can grow side by side.