Lives uplifted in Greater Masaka as the Sustainable Climate Impact Fund provided access tosafe water, & environmental protection.

The Sustainable Climate Impact Fund (SCIF), a pioneering social enterprise has showcased

its vital work to improve health, well-being and socio-economic opportunities of

communities affected by climate change in Kalungu, Lyantonde, and Kabarole districts.

SCIF projects have refurbished water points that have been non-functional due to disrepair,

and currently harbor several health risks to surrounding communities accompanied by

community hygiene education programs implemented by WaterAid Uganda, and

environmental conservation messages.

During a high-level seminar, held on Monday at Maple Leaf Hotel, Masaka, SCIF officials

stressed the importance of addressing the climate-health nexus through projects aimed at

providing access to safe water and environmental protection.

The Unit Representative, Monica Badaru applauded the partnership with Sustainable Climate

Impact Fund and the communities in Greater Masaka.

“Today we are thrilled to take our partnership with the Sustainable Climate Impact Fund and

communities in Lyantonde and Kalungu to the next level. We are eager to learn about the

progress made by the SCIF’s safe water project, in contributing to increased access to safe

water for communities in Kalungu and Lyantonde districts, and contributing to global efforts

to slow down climate change” she said

The Operations Director of SCIF, Ola Bankole said, “We are delighted that our SCIF Safe

Water project is changing people’s lives for the better. We know from health centres that

cases of waterborne diseases have reduced where SCIF has refurbished boreholes, we

know women have been able to grow their businesses because they spend less time

fetching water and children no longer miss out on school because safe water points have

been installed close to home. Through SCIF some of the aims of sustainable development

are being realised.”

He said that SCIF also works with communities in rural areas to protect the natural environment by providing easy access to clean water, reducing deforestation means through tree planting to continue absorbing and storing carbon dioxide, “Globally deforestation contributes to around 10% of global warming. Protecting the naturalenvironment, for example by reducing deforestation through the provision of safe water has wide-ranging positive impacts on human and planetary health” he said

SCIF is a subsidiary of the renowned global health institution, the London School of Hygiene Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), the parent organization of The Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute based in Entebbe as a country headquarter.

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John Starmer, Estates Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine stated:

“Climate change poses a global challenge that requires immediate action. We are

committed to implementing more climate friendly projects in Uganda. We want to continue

working hand in hand with communities and government institutions toward healthier, more

resilient communities and protecting our natural environment and resources.”

The Sustainable Climate Impact Fund (SCIF) collaborates with communities in Uganda, with

a specific focus on regions vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. As a

subsidiary of the globally renowned London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM),

SCIF is committed to reducing, mitigating, and avoiding the environmental, social, and

economic impacts of climate change on communities. SCIF’s projects are designed to

promote community health, socio-economic development, and environmental sustainability,

earning certification through the rigorous Gold Standard process and methodology which

ensures carbon credits can be generated for offsetting of carbon emissions.

Meanwhile, the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit is a globally recognized centre

of excellence for research and training in infectious and non-communicable diseases.

Established in 1988, the Unit’s mission is to generate knowledge that leads to improved

disease control worldwide while building research capacity.