Rains to increase disease spread in slums
Jul 06, 2008
DISEASE outbreaks in Kampala’s largest slums of Kalerwe and Bwaise are expected to increase as heavy rains caused by climate change become more frequent.
By Gerald Tenywa
DISEASE outbreaks in Kampala’s largest slums of Kalerwe and Bwaise are expected to increase as heavy rains caused by climate change become more frequent.
Over the years, global climate has been changing, leading to disruption of weather patterns. It is predicted that temperatures in Uganda will increase further, causing shorter but heavier rain periods.
“High rainfall is associated with outbreak of waterborne diseases,†said Dr. Richard Taylor, a researcher from the University College of London. He was presenting findings of the research conducted at Kalerwe during an international conference on ground water and climate change at Speke Resort Munyonyo recently.
“The risk of drinking contaminated water and being affected by waterborne diseases is higher in the rainy season,†he said. “This is because discharges containing faecal matter pollute spring water.â€
Taylor also noted that most people in low-income residential areas like Kalerwe do not have access to proper sanitation facilities and that 80% of the disease burden is caused by lack of access to safe water.
He said with population growth, the problem was likely to become worse and it is unlikely that the Government would provide pipe water in the short term.
“Pipe water is not a reality in the near future for people living in low-income areas. It is important to recognise the risk associated with spring water supplies in
Kampala.â€
Taylor appealed to leaders in the city to create awareness ahead of the heavy rains, to avert disasters like cholera outbreaks. “Improved hygiene and hand washing could reduce the spread of water-borne diseases,†he said.
About five years ago, Kampala City Council and the health ministry discovered that spring water in Kampala was contaminated, but most residents in the slum areas still use it for drinking.
“This water should be boiled or treated before it is consumed,†said a source within KCC.
DISEASE outbreaks in Kampala’s largest slums of Kalerwe and Bwaise are expected to increase as heavy rains caused by climate change become more frequent.
Over the years, global climate has been changing, leading to disruption of weather patterns. It is predicted that temperatures in Uganda will increase further, causing shorter but heavier rain periods.
“High rainfall is associated with outbreak of waterborne diseases,†said Dr. Richard Taylor, a researcher from the University College of London. He was presenting findings of the research conducted at Kalerwe during an international conference on ground water and climate change at Speke Resort Munyonyo recently.
“The risk of drinking contaminated water and being affected by waterborne diseases is higher in the rainy season,†he said. “This is because discharges containing faecal matter pollute spring water.â€
Taylor also noted that most people in low-income residential areas like Kalerwe do not have access to proper sanitation facilities and that 80% of the disease burden is caused by lack of access to safe water.
He said with population growth, the problem was likely to become worse and it is unlikely that the Government would provide pipe water in the short term.
“Pipe water is not a reality in the near future for people living in low-income areas. It is important to recognise the risk associated with spring water supplies in
Kampala.â€
Taylor appealed to leaders in the city to create awareness ahead of the heavy rains, to avert disasters like cholera outbreaks. “Improved hygiene and hand washing could reduce the spread of water-borne diseases,†he said.
About five years ago, Kampala City Council and the health ministry discovered that spring water in Kampala was contaminated, but most residents in the slum areas still use it for drinking.
“This water should be boiled or treated before it is consumed,†said a source within KCC.