CAMIPATA: Climate Change and its Adverse Effects on the double burden of Malnutrition and Infectious Diseases among women of ReProductive Age in north-eastern Tanzania

Climate change, with rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns, are long-term threats to food security, reducing the nutritional value and increasing the risk of crop failures. Climate change also increases the global risk and spread of vector-borne diseases. In particular, the occurrence of malaria parasites, as temperature and rainfall affects the malaria vector population dynamics. Of great concern are pregnant women who have heightened nutritional requirements and increased risk of malaria. Both malnutrition and malaria can negatively impact pregnancy outcomes. In addition, climate change can indirectly affect the physical, mental, and social well-being of pregnant women. Pregnant women from food-insecure households are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress, which in addition to malnutrition and malaria may interact to further worsen pregnancy outcomes. Knowledge gained through the project will assist researchers, health staff, and policy makers tailoring local applicable interventions to deal with some of the crucial health consequences of climate change and ensure good health among women in the reproductive age and their children.

A cohort of 600 pregnant women will be established in rural Tanzania, followed from the 1st trimester until 6 weeks post-partum. Cross sectional surveys will also be conducted before and after rainy seasons, and continuously monitor weather patterns in the area. Maternal macro- and micronutritional status and incidence of malaria will be assessed and we will investigate if they synergistically associates with poor pregnancy outcomes including decreased birth weight, and newborns stunting and wasting. Food availability will be evaluated in relation to local weather patterns, measured macro- and micronutritional status, biomarkers of metabolic health and pregnancy outcomes. Experiences and knowledge related to the adverse effects of climate change, including food insecurity and associated influence on physical and mental well-being, will be assessed among pregnant women, their partners and key community informants.

Project DetailsDFC project details

Capacity Building
Climate Change
Social Science
Vulnerable Populations

Jun 2023 — May 2028

$1.43M

Tanzania