Uganda: Health workers climb every mountain literally to support women

Driven by desperation to find food for their families, women in Uganda’s Karamoja Region have resorted to climbing up mountains to crush rocks in search of gold to feed their families. Unfortunately, they also bring their children, who are often struggling with malnutrition. Food insecurity has been worsening in several districts in Karamoja, driven by recurring climate shocks, the pressures of the lean season, and growing household debt. Livelihood systems have not fully recovered from successive shocks, leaving communities highly vulnerable. More than 40,000 people are in the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Sytem’s Phase 4 , which means they are barely able to eat a meal a day, and more than 432,000 who are in Phase 3, face significant food shocks. For many families, recovery remains fragile, and gains risk being reversed.​ “I came to the mountains to provide for my family,” said Adong, one such mother. “I know the conditions are harsh for a baby here, but I had to bring him because he is still breastfeeding.” Fortunately for Adong and other women who work on a quarry on Mount Moroto, health workers have been determined to help them. Taking action In Moroto, one in