Agencies meet to discuss WASH and Climate challenges.

Delegates representing Humanitarian Agencies  across Africa have convened in Kampala and developed a unified strategy on Water , Sanitation, Hygiene-WASH and Climate interventions.

Humanitarian Agencies  across Africa convened in Kampala to develop a unified strategy aimed at combating  gaps in the implementation of Water , Sanitation, Hygiene and Climate interventions across the continent .

This after reports indicating devastating effects of climate disaster and health on people in disaster prone areas in Africa raised concerns that were  due to absence of an Integrated WASH and climate intervention .

In a  meeting organized by Uganda Red cross society under the theme "Strengthening the Water Security for Africa Region",

Tindimugaya Kalist the Commissioner for water at the ministry of water and Environment has revealed that regional Governments ought to increase the water rationality and quantity supplies as an immediate intervention .

At the meeting the Secretary General  Uganda Red Cross Society Secretary General Robert Kwesiga was represented by the Director Health and Social services at Uganda redcross society Dr Josephine Okwera says Uganda has experienced drastic changes in weather patterns characterized by long dry spells, low water levels and poor rainfall distribution.

This has resulted into increased crop failures, livestock mortality and famine which are a consequence of man's destructive activities on the environment. We need to change our mindset and begin to love our environment.

Vision 2040 recognizes Forests among the key pillars of economic growth which is indeed true given the central role forests play in supporting productivity of other sectors such as agriculture, Tourism, Fisheries among others through maintaining the water cycle and suitable microclimate for investments in the sectors.

More than 24 million people lack access to basic drinking water services in Uganda that's over 3 in every 5 people.29 million people lack access to improved sanitation that's 8 in every 10 people.

Over 4,500 children under 5 die a year from diarrhea diseases attributed to contaminated water, poor sanitation and unsafe hygiene practices. Poor Menstrual Hygiene Management in schools contributes to a 10% drop out of girls.

Mrs Josephine Okwera says the integration of WASH and Climate interventions across societies in Africa will swiftly address the existing gaps and improve preparedness of communities in disaster prone areas.

Participants included officials from Uganda Red Cross Society,the International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent (IFRC) Representatives, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Representatives,the Partner National Society Representatives (Austrian RC, Belgian RC, German RC, Netherlands RC, Norwegian RC, Swedish RC, Turkish RC), Representatives of various government ministries, departments and agencies Representatives of the various stakeholder groups,