By Ambrose Gahene and Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
MASAKA
The Sustainable Climate Impact Fund (SCIF), a pioneering social enterprise, showcased its vital work to improve health, wellbeing and socio-economic opportunities of communities affected by climate change in Kalungu, Lyantonde and Kabarole districts.
SCIF officials stressed the importance of addressing the climate-health nexus during a high-level seminar in Masaka on Wednesday.
Monica Badaru, a Representative from Medical Research Centre said, “Today we are thrilled to take our partnership with the Sustainable Climate Impact Fund and communities in Lyantonde and Kalungu to the next level. We are eager to learn about the progress made by the SCIF’s safe water project, in contributing to increased access to safe water for communities in Kalungu and Lyantonde districts, and contributing to global efforts to slow down climate change.”
She said SCIF is a pioneering social enterprise aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of communities affected by climate change and create socio-economic opportunities, especially for women.
Badaru pointed out that; SCIF refurbishes water points that have been non-functional due to disrepair, and currently harbour several health risks to surrounding communities.
“All installed boreholes are accompanied by community hygiene education programmes implemented by WaterAid Uganda, and environmental conservation messages. Furthermore, SCIF is committed to the long-term viability of the water points by developing local capacity for maintenance, generating new jobs for borehole mechanics, with a special focus on female mechanics and providing external support when needed”, she added.
Additionally, Ola Bankole, the SCIF Operations Director explained the fund commitment to increase access to safe abd clean water in Uganda for human safety and better lives.
“We are delighted that our SCIF Safe Water project is changing people’s lives for the better. We know from health centres that cases of waterborne diseases have reduced where SCIF has refurbished boreholes, we know women have been able to grow their businesses because they spend less time fetching water and children no longer miss out on school because safe water points have been installed close to home. Through SCIF some of the aims of sustainable development are being realized”, said Bankole.
He said SCIF also works with communities in rural areas to protect the natural environment.
“By providing easy access to clean water, trees no longer need to be cut for firewood to boil water. Reducing deforestation means trees continue to absorb and store carbon dioxide, globally deforestation contributes to around 10 percent of global warming. Protecting the natural environment, for example by reducing deforestation through the provision of safe water has wide-ranging positive impacts on human and planetary health”, added Bankole.
SCIF is a subsidiary of the renowned global health institution, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), the parent organization of The Medical Research Council or Uganda Virus Research Institute.
John Starmer, Estates Director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said, “Climate change poses a global challenge that requires immediate action. We are committed to implementing more climate friendly projects in Uganda. We want to continue working hand in hand with communities and government institutions toward healthier, more resilient communities and protecting our natural environment and resources.”
The Sustainable Climate Impact Fund (SCIF) collaborates with communities in Uganda, with a specific focus on regions vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Recently, the Fund partnered with WaterAid Uganda and other partners to reduce environmental impact, mitigate climate change and ensure the long-term sustainability for social, and economic impacts of climate change on communities.
