Images of climate innovation

River of dreams?

This river flows through Ndirande township in Blantyre (Malawi) where it collects household, human and commercial waste from indiscriminate dumping and poor construction of toilets. Used for bathing, playing and household chores, our research has shown these rivers to be associated with the transmission of typhoid and antimicrobial resistant organisms. We are now working with communities to protect these important riverine systems and reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Rivers play an integral role in nature-based solutions to tackle climate change, acting as powerful agents for keeping wildlife and communities healthy and resilient. However, with the continuing pressures from human activities, which are expected to only increase with the impact of climate change, these ecosystems are not only under threat, but are themselves posing a threat to human health.

Our research, as part of the DRUM Consortium, across Malawi and Uganda has identified river systems as key in the transmission of diseases such as typhoid and antimicrobial resistant organisms. Rivers such as these run through highly populated areas and are used for the indiscriminate dumping of refuse, as well as outlets for toilets which lead to high levels of contamination. Concerningly, they are also used for daily chores such as washing utensils, washing clothes, bathing and playing, thereby putting the wider population at risk of disease.

Not only does this affect human health but also severely impacts the biodiversity and integrity of these rivers to support wildlife and support our global mission to protect freshwater systems. Resolving this problem is compounded by the limited access many households have to resources and services such as water, wastewater treatment and refuse collection.

As such the data from this research will be invaluable as we work hand in hand with communities and government bodies to identify the most suitable, acceptable and cost-effective resolutions. Co-developing these plans helps to ensure we address issues of infrastructure needs and behaviour change to reduce disease transmission, and protect the riverine systems and resources for future generations.  

Entrant: Tracy Morse , University of Strathclyde

Copyright: Tracy Morse

Links

https://www.drumconsortium.org/