The link between drought and violence against women and girls in the Horn of Africa

Abstract

MOEIN TAGHAVI and ELDEEB population, and no oncology cases, likely pointing to the destruction and fragmentation of the healthcare infrastructure and screening services. 3 Women in conflict zones are forced to give birth in severely suboptimal facilities and often in vulnerable, unsheltered areas under open fire. The United Nations Population Fund reports that there are 265 000 pregnant women in Ukraine, with 80 000 expected to give birth in the next 3 months, and they are facing a similar fate. 4Despite the challenges and gendered impacts of armed conflict on women, it is important to break stereotypes that reduce women to a victim status only. History has demonstrated the resilience of women and the major role they have played in providing stability to areas affected by armed conflict. They have done this, over the centuries, by maintaining homes, raising and protecting children, and supporting the military with nursing care, food and informally generated capital for the economy. It is also often women who take the first steps in rebuilding the foundations of society and establishing domestic and economic order.In conclusion, this short report highlights that armed conflict contributes to greater health inequities. There is an urgent need to protect women's health in these areas. This is imminently relevant to the conflicts in Syria, Sudan,

200 years from the first documented outbreak: Dying of cholera in the Near East during 2022 (recent data analysis)

“…During droughts, populations cannot access their usual water sources and must resort to other, at times unsafe ones [ 7 ]. Droughts are a constant threat in the Near East [ 8 ] and cause people to flee their homes; these migrations are associated with deteriorations of hygiene and sanitation, as well as additional risks like gender-based violence [ 9 ].…”

The cost of climate disasters: an additional call for health emergency preparedness

“…It is important to emphasize that the impacts and costs of climate events fall disproportionately on the poorest and most vulnerable in lower income countries because of aspects such as fewer assets, less insurance, and generally poorer access to comprehensive public health services. 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 The situation will be even more problematic, as there will be more intense and frequent weather events in coming years and decades, even with more ambitious environmental mitigation actions.…”