A grandma’s ingeniosity: How Kenya’s Wandera Nabwirwa protected her grand son from resurgent cholera

Wandera Cecilia Nabwirwa has dedicated 29 years as a health worker serving an estimated population of 5.3 million inhabitants in Nairobi county.

Wandera’s observations over the years paint a vivid picture of a community wrestling with the domino effects of climatic shifts. There are increased occurrences of flooding, drought, and extreme temperatures. “The ban to logging of trees was lifted, exposing the country to more harsh climate and weather changes,” she believes.

Equally significant are the health implications of these changes. The repercussions range from malnutrition resulting from disrupted food systems, to the resurgence of waterborne diseases like cholera. “We are experiencing re-emerging health conditions such as cholera, due to water shortage and poor hygiene conditions especially in non-formal settlements,” says Wandera.

“Informal settlements on the river banks were swept away during heavy rains and floods. Soon, we started getting increased reports of Cholera outbreaks, a disease which had been controlled,” she explains. Wandera’s local knowledge, deep community roots, and long-standing service lend her insights a level of credibility that demands attention.

Wandera also shares a very personal story. She recounts how reduced harvests, likely tied to changing climate conditions, led to a local practice of growing vegetables along sewerage areas. This, in turn, precipitated health issues within her own family. “I remember my grand-child, one time arriving from boarding school and after eating, he was writhing in severe painful stomach ache and vomiting. I was so afraid he had cholera. Since then, I resolved to growing my own vegetables in bags to ensure that I eat from a source I am sure of.”

Wandera is not alone in her experiences. Her narrative echoes the accounts of thousands of health professionals worldwide, each witnessing the effects of the changing climate in their communities.

They will soon be sharing these observations and experiences with each other – and with anyone else interested in listening and learning – at the special event, “From community to planet: Health professionals on the frontlines of climate change.”