Environment

The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has released its October to December 2024 seasonal forecast, revealing contrasting weather patterns across East Africa. Drier-than-normal conditions are expected in the eastern parts of the region, particularly in southern Ethiopia, Somalia, eastern Kenya, and central and southern Tanzania. These areas face increased risks of drought, which could exacerbate food insecurity and affect livelihoods. On the other hand, western parts, including northern Uganda, western Kenya, northern Tanzania, southern Burundi, and parts of Rwanda, are predicted to receive above-normal rainfall, likely boosting agricultural productivity and water availability.

This forecast highlights the urgent need for coordinated action to mitigate the impacts of these climate extremes. Warmer-than-average temperatures are also expected across the region, with the highest probabilities in eastern Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia. In contrast, cooler conditions are anticipated in northern Tanzania and parts of Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan. Experts, including IGAD's Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, stress the importance of early warning systems and preparedness efforts to address the region's food security challenges and build resilience against the growing threat of climate change.

Read more on this link . 

Burundi’s Ministry of Health declared a cholera outbreak on Wednesday, 6th September 2023, with 15 cases reported in the western part of the country, an area prone to water shortages.

Polycarpe Ndayizeye, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health and AIDS Control, confirmed that cholera patients had been admitted to hospitals and treatment centers in the municipality of Bujumbura. He called on authorities, residents of affected areas such as Bujumbura, Gatumba, and Rugombo, and all stakeholders to collaborate in combating the outbreak. Residents, especially those in impacted districts, were urged to strictly adhere to hygiene practices to help contain the disease.

Earlier this year, cholera claimed two lives in Bujumbura’s health district, notably at Kajaga beach on Lake Tanganyika. Water shortages, particularly during the dry season from May to September, exacerbate the risk of cholera outbreaks in Burundi’s western region.

Causative agent

Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It produces a toxin that targets the intestines, leading to severe watery diarrhea and dehydration. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), not all strains of V. cholerae cause illness; only specific toxin-producing strains are responsible for cholera outbreaks.

How cholera spreads

Cholera spreads through the consumption of contaminated food or water, particularly in areas with inadequate sanitation or limited access to clean water. The bacterium thrives in environments where drinking water, food, or sanitation is compromised, often after natural disasters or in densely populated areas.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cholera typically manifest within 2-5 days after exposure and include:

Profuse watery diarrhea (often described as “rice-water stools”)

Vomiting

Rapid dehydration

Muscle cramps

Severe thirst

If untreated, cholera can lead to shock and even death within hours due to the rapid loss of fluids.

Preventive measures

Preventing cholera requires addressing the core issues of water and sanitation. The WHO, Africa CDC, and US CDC recommend the following preventive actions:

Ensuring access to safe drinking water by boiling, treating with chlorine, or using bottled water

Proper disposal of human waste

Regular handwashing with soap, especially before eating and after using the bathroom

Safe food handling, including thoroughly cooking food and washing fruits and vegetables

Vaccination in high-risk areas, although vaccines alone are not a substitute for proper hygiene and sanitation practices

What to do if you get cholera

Immediate rehydration is crucial in treating cholera. The WHO recommends:

Drinking Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) solution to replace lost fluids and electrolytes

Seeking medical care immediately if severe symptoms like frequent vomiting or extreme diarrhea occur

In severe cases, intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary if oral hydration is insufficient

Treatment

Cholera treatment primarily focuses on rehydration. Antibiotics can also be prescribed in more severe cases to shorten the duration of the illness and reduce the volume of diarrhea. Zinc supplements are also recommended for children to aid recovery. Access to adequate treatment dramatically reduces cholera’s mortality rate to less than 1%, according to the WHO.

Regional impact

Burundi is not alone in facing cholera outbreaks. A recent update from the WHO African Region, as of August, 2023 reported cholera cases across 15 countries. Among the latest outbreaks, six countries—Burundi, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zimbabwe—account for over 200 new cases. While the overall trend in the region is declining, WHO and other public health authorities urge countries to bolster surveillance, readiness, and community-based prevention measures, especially around border crossings to limit cross-border infections.

Read more here: Cholera in the WHO African Region

https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/373305/AFRO-Cholerabulletin30.pdf

On 31 July 2024, the EAC, together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and GIZ, announced the successful conclusion of the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Project in the region.
The US$2.5 million WASH project commenced in 2021 with the aim of strengthening the capacities of EAC Partner States to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases using hygiene measures, risk communication, and community sensitization.

The three-year project has achieved remarkable milestones, including the installation and renovation of 43 fixed handwashing facilities at the Points of Entry and border hotspots of all seven Partner States, namely Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania. Read more

Between March and May 2024, Eastern Africa experienced devastating heavy rains and widespread flooding, driven by El Niño. Known as the Long Rains, this period caused landslides, mudslides, and severe damage across the region. The effects were particularly harsh on women and children, who lost lives, homes, and farmland. Agriculture, an industry where women play a crucial role, was severely impacted.

Women, often the primary caregivers, were especially affected. Their responsibilities for securing water, food, and healthcare for families became more difficult with the destruction of homes and displacement. Many women were forced into temporary shelters, where they faced increased risks of gender-based violence, including harassment and abuse.

The floods also triggered major public health crises, with clean water and sanitation systems compromised. Diseases such as malaria, cholera, and measles surged, posing serious health risks to pregnant women and children. Access to healthcare services became increasingly limited, further worsening maternal health issues.

To address health concerns during floods, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends several protective measures. Communities need to be aware of evacuation routes and warning signals, with women, children, and people with disabilities given priority. Ensuring the availability of clean drinking water is critical, particularly for women responsible for water collection and food preparation. Good hygienic practices and safe food preparation techniques are essential to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks, while avoiding flooded areas and using mosquito repellents help minimize exposure to hazards like drowning or mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria.

Looking ahead, proactive measures are vital to reduce the impact of future disasters, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Monitoring weather forecasts can help communities prepare, particularly women, who often lack access to timely information. Safe shelters and preparedness kits with essential supplies, such as flashlights, cash, and first aid, can empower women to protect their families. Investments in infrastructure, agriculture, clean water, healthcare, and emergency systems are necessary to build resilience. Designing buildings to withstand extreme weather and relocating from flood-prone areas can offer additional protection, especially for women who manage household resources.

By prioritizing gender-sensitive responses and addressing the specific needs of women and vulnerable groups, Eastern Africa can better prepare for future natural disasters, fostering more resilient and inclusive communities. More details on this Link 

South Sudan’s government has ordered all of the nation’s schools to close indefinitely beginning Monday, March 18, because of a heat wave that could see temperatures rise to as high as 45C (113F) sweeping across eastern Africa. The government has also instructed parents not to allow children to play outdoors and asked them to report any signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. 

In a joint statement by the Health and Education ministries, the authorities warned that any school found open would have its registration withdrawn. “The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry will continue to monitor the situation and inform the public accordingly,” the statement read. 

According to the Environment ministry, the capital Juba and most parts of South Sudan are experiencing a heat wave with temperatures forecast to rise to as high as 45 degrees Celsius. This week temperatures could rise to 41 degrees Celsius. The extreme hot weather is expected to last at least two weeks. Earlier the Health ministry had issued an advisory stating that “extended periods of high day and night-time temperatures create cumulative physiological stress on the human body”. 

This, the ministry said, exacerbates the top causes of death globally, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and renal disease. “There are already cases of deaths related to excessive heat being reported,” authorities said in a statement on Saturday. The Health ministry advised people to reduce the heat load inside the apartment or house, close windows and shutters especially those facing the sun during the day and turn off artificial lighting and as many electrical devices as possible. 

The residents are also required to hang shades, draperies, awnings or louvers on windows that receive morning or afternoon sun, and hang wet towels to cool down the room air. “Electric fans may provide relief, but when the temperature is above 35 degrees centigrade, may not prevent heat-related illness. It is important to drink fluids,” the advisory says.

 Those living in air-conditioned houses were advised to close the doors and windows and conserve electricity not needed to keep them cool, to ensure that power remains available and reduce the chance of a community-wide outage. For beddings, the ministry urged use of light bed linen and sheets, and no cushions to avoid heat accumulation. People were advised to drink water regularly and avoid alcohol and too much caffeine and sugar, which are dehydrating. They were also urged to eat small but frequent meals and to avoid foods that are high in protein. 

The ministry urged people to be their brothers’ keepers, checking in especially on family, friends, and neighbours who spend much of their time alone. Vulnerable people might need assistance on hot days, it said. “If anyone you know is at risk, help him or her to get advice and support. Elderly or sick people living alone should be visited at least daily. If a person is taking medication, ask the treating doctor how it can influence thermoregulation and the fluid balance,” the Health ministry advised. 

Read more on WHO's How to stay safe during heatwaves on this Link

The onset of heavy rains throughout the EAC region and reports of flooding, and post flood effects have not spared the Nimule/Elegu border between South Sudan and Uganda. On 5th November 2023, unprecedented volume of water spread throughout the border areas, submerging the markets, parking areas and residential areas.

At Nimule/Elegu border, the main economic activities around the area is trade, ranging from transportation, food vending, bars, lodging, cross border trade in agricultural produce, animals, animal products and others. On a daily basis, cross border communities move on either side to access basic services like healthcare, education, social events and retail trade including accessing eating places.

The following key challenges are foreseen:

• Contamination of water sources and associated problems.
• Increase in malaria cases
• Loss of business
• Contamination and possible food poisoning
• Increased cost of living for the Border Officials and the community.

Read full report on this link

The long rainy season in the East African Community region from March to May, also known as the MAM rainy season, will receive above-average rainfall. This is good news for the region as this season contributes up to 60 per cent of the annual rainfall. With this above-average rainfall, it is hoped that the region will experience improved agricultural and hydrological conditions, regional climate centre predicts. Read more: Link

Kenya's Ministry of Health has implemented several mitigation measures following a warning by the country's Meteorological Department about the likelihood of El Nino rainfall occurring in the country between October and December 2023.

The Kenya Meteorological Department announced recently that during this period the country will experience heightened rainfall, as well as the potential for flooding and landslides in certain regions of the country. It emphasized the importance of proactive preparations by the relevant government agencies to mitigate possible deaths and loss of property.

The mitigation preparedness measures, according to the Ministry, include development of a Contingency Plan for El Nino, close collaboration with County Governments and Partners. 

Read full government statement here: Full government statement

Dar es Salaam, September 15, 2023 - As the East African region braces for the looming threat of El Niño during the upcoming October-November-December (OND) season, Tanzania has taken proactive steps to protect its citizens and mitigate potential damage. The Kenya-based IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) recently issued a report warning of the likelihood of an El Niño event, prompting the Tanzanian government to develop the National El Niño Contingency Plan and Anticipatory Actions (CP&AA) for Tanzania Mainland, which will be in effect from September 2023 to June 2024.

Tanzania is one of the countries at risk of severe weather events, including floods, droughts, and strong winds, across various regions of the nation. The impact of these events has been exacerbated by factors such as climate change, population growth, urbanization, and increased human activity in disaster-prone areas. These hazards have resulted in loss of life, injuries, infrastructure damage, and disruption of socioeconomic activities.

The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has provided forecasts indicating that the upcoming Vuli rainfall season from October to December 2023 is likely to be influenced by El Niño conditions. El Niño is typically associated with above-normal rainfall over most affected regions. While this may be welcomed in some areas, the excess rainfall can also lead to disruptions in sectors vital to Tanzania's economy, including agriculture, livestock, fisheries, tourism, wildlife, transport, energy, water, minerals, health, and various other socioeconomic activities.

To address these potential challenges, the Prime Minister's Office (Policy, Parliament, and Coordination) has taken the lead in coordinating the development of the National El Niño Contingency Plan and Anticipatory Actions (CP&AA). This comprehensive plan has been created through a multisectoral approach, engaging experts and stakeholders from both government and non-government institutions. The Disaster Management Act No. 6 of 2022 has played a pivotal role in facilitating this process, providing a framework for coordinating various sectors through disaster management committees at both the national and local levels.

The CP&AA focuses on ensuring that the government, non-government organizations, communities, and other stakeholders are prepared to prevent and mitigate the impacts of hazards. It emphasizes readiness for response and recovery, with a commitment to building back better after any adverse events. The plan's objectives include establishing and strengthening coordination mechanisms and partnerships, proactive containment of El Niño impacts, and addressing the most vulnerable communities. It also delineates institutional roles and responsibilities and outlines key processes needed for a coordinated, coherent, and consistent management of El Niño-related issues across sectors.

The development of this plan has benefited from the valuable input of experts from government and non-government institutions involved in humanitarian and disaster risk management. Its full implementation is expected to significantly contribute to the prevention of expected losses and damages resulting from the impact of El Niño.

In light of the imminent threat, stakeholders are urged to take their responsibilities outlined in the plan seriously, in addition to sector-specific initiatives aimed at mitigating the negative effects of El Niño. By working together and remaining vigilant, Tanzania is well-prepared to weather the challenges that El Niño may bring, safeguarding its people and its economy.

Read full report

East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 25th March 2022: The EAC Secretariat urges Partner States to take appropriate steps to ensure maximum benefit from farming as the region is expected to receive normal rains over the next few months after almost two years of persistent drought in some EAC areas. This comes after the Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development has predicted normal rains over East Africa from March to May

“This is good news for the region, though the situation might differ from country to country. Expert guidance is important so that farmers are not over optimistic in case the rains end earlier than usual, but also that the opportunity is not lost,” says Hon Christophe Bazivamo, EAC Deputy Secretary General, Productive and Social Sectors.

The March to May season constitutes an important rainfall season, particularly in the equatorial parts of the region where it contributes up to 70% of the total annual rainfall, according to ICPAC. The rainfall is good for crop and livestock farming if it is not excessive.

The EAC Secretariat urges farmers to plant enough food crops and livestock keepers to plant pastures which can be harvested and stored for feeding of livestock during the dry season. The Secretariat also encourages Partner States to invest more seriously in irrigation and encourages farmers to adopt technologies for water harvesting and storage as well as irrigation systems to increase crop production and productivity during the dry season. Partner States might also consider constructing irrigation systems to bring water from areas which often see flooding to dry but fertile areas to make more arable land available.

As the EAC region begins to recover from the impacts of drought, farmers, agricultural extension workers, and other agricultural value chain actors are encouraged to follow the weather forecasts from the national meteorology departments and agencies and the Ministries in charge of Agriculture and Livestock and to refer to ICPAC’s weekly and monthly weather forecasts. The meteorology departments and agencies are encouraged to publish weather information in a timely manner. They should collaborate with other government departments and agencies such as public health, animal health, environmental health to facilitate timely risk communication and preparing for outbreaks of infectious diseases of public and animal health significance.

According to ICPAC, the southern, central and northern Tanzania, eastern Uganda, northern Burundi, eastern Rwanda, southern and western Kenya, and eastern South Sudan might receive above normal rains this time of the year which might result in flush floods and increased mosquito populations. The EAC Secretariat cautions that this might increase the risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases transmitted by mosquitos such as malaria for humans and Rift Valley Fever for animals which can be transmitted from livestock to humans. The risk of outbreaks of other diseases such as Cholera may increase with the occurrence of flush floods. The public is advised to put in place appropriate measures to minimise infection of people and livestock with mosquito-borne diseases.

For more information, please contact:

Simon Peter Owaka
Senior Public Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department
EAC Secretariat
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: +255 768 552087
Email: sowaka [at] eachq.org