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Child health and climate change episode 1: Uganda

Less predictable weather in this east African country has led to food shortages and skyrocketing prices. There are broader consequences for children's health, too, as Eva Odongpiny, a local pharmacist, discusses with us in this first episode of our podcast series.
RCPCH Podcasts | Photo of Eva Odongpiny

Listen to the episode below, on ,Ìý or wherever you listen to your podcasts, or find on our . You can download the full transcript at the bottom of this page.


This is the first episode in our three-part series on the impacts of climate change on children's health around the word. Our host, Dr Bernadette O’Hare, chair of the international workstream of the RCPCH climate change working group, speaks with Eva who has firsthand experience of the environmental challenges children - and health services - face. 

Over the past several years, unpredictable weather patterns, including drought and floods, across Uganda have made it increasingly difficult to grow crops and the resulting imbalance between supply and demand contributes to widespread hunger and malnutrition. Eva looks at the broader consequences for children's health, which include an increased vulnerability to diseases like HIV and cholera, and exposure to air pollution and water scarcity.

Eva talks too about how forced migrations due to flooding interrupts normal life routines. And that can impact adherence to medicines, such as antiretrovirals. And, Eva and Bernie explore the mental health toll on children, as the environmental challenges contribute to rising levels of eco-anxiety.

Drawing from our recently published survey, this series aims to deepen our understanding of the risks posed by climate change, particularly for the world’s most vulnerable population: children. We hope to inspire action to tackle climate change to protect children in Uganda and around the globe. So, tune in to learn more about how we can all contribute to creating a safer, healthier future for children everywhere.

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