Water, A Pregnant Mother’s Perspective

Water and Health

Diarrhea causes more death than any other disease in Sub-Saharan Africa. “A clean water supply reduces diarrhea-related death by up to 25%…A baby here [Sub-Sahara Africa] is almost 520 times more likely to die from diarrhea than one born in Europe.” (AMREF. Water Born Disease. Web Publication. 2009) Within the last five years, the Apac District of Northern Uganda has been associated with hyper-epidemic Malaria rates. Clean drinking water availability enables water sources to be properly managed, reducing stagnant water sources wherein malaria-transmitting mosquitoes breed.

Water, Gender and HIV

In the vast majority of cases women and children collect water. In some communities water gatherers may walk five or more hours a day for collection. Extended trips to collect water often amounts to neglected young, income opportunities forfeited, gender based violence, exhaustion, and subjection to harm. In Northern Uganda where HIV rates are twice the national average, minimizing gender violence drastically minimizes the spread of HIV.

Water and Education

It is hard to overestimate the medical expenses accrued by a Northern Ugandan household from illness associated with unavailable or unclean water. On average woman in this region have 7 children. Ongoing financial strain from water scarcity inhibits adequate investment in children’s school fees. Dowry is practiced in Northern Uganda. Since girls might be married off as early as age 13, thus, paying fees for education is sometimes interpreted to be a risk. When girls are able to collect water easily and therefore complete household/domestic duties, the chances of their participation in school increases dramatically. Thus, increasing the proximity of water sources to a community increases the likelihood that girls can attend schools regularly.

Water and Conflict

The LRA has been known to target communities relying on few water sources. When everyone in a town or village draws water from one source, the likelihood of attack increases and the ease with which contamination occurs increases. Diversification of water sources decreases victimization in areas of conflict.

Returning Home After A Generation of Displacement

Water availability relates much to the well being of the whole social structure and is directly linked with practical sustenance, water borne disease, gender violence, and HIV Aids, and education. Providing fresh water wells for those of northern Uganda will make a drastic and long-lasting positive impact on all of society. As those displaced to refugee camps for a generation are afforded opportunities to return to their villages, water availability dictates whether or not they can return home.