Kampala: Driven by desperation to find food for their families, women in Uganda's Karamoja Region have resorted to climbing mountains to crush rocks in search of gold. However, this arduous task often involves bringing their children, many of whom suffer from malnutrition.
According to African Press Organization, food insecurity has been worsening in several districts in Karamoja, propelled by recurring climate shocks, the pressures of the lean season, and increasing household debt. These compounded issues have left livelihood systems struggling to recover from successive shocks, rendering communities highly vulnerable.
More than 40,000 individuals find themselves in Phase 4 of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification System, barely managing to eat a meal a day. Additionally, over 432,000 people in Phase 3 face significant food shocks. For numerous families, recovery remains fragile, with gains at risk of being reversed.
One such mother, Adong, shared her struggle: "I came to the mountains to provide for my family. I know the conditions are harsh for a baby here, but I had to bring him because he is still breastfeeding." Health workers have been determined to assist Adong and other women working at the quarry on Mount Moroto.
In Moroto, one in five children under five is acutely malnourished, the highest rate in Karamoja. The challenge for many caregivers extends beyond identifying children for treatment to ensuring they receive it in time. The nutritional situation is concerning, with an estimated 122,000 children under five requiring treatment for acute malnutrition.
Recognizing the need to bring services to the people, a nutrition outreach team from Kakingol Health Centre III made a climb to the quarry in June 2026. Supported by UNICEF and the OCHA-managed Uganda Humanitarian Fund, the team collaborated with a Village Health Team, consisting of community volunteers, to establish services at the quarry.
During one morning, Adong's child was screened and vaccinated, along with more than 60 other children. For mothers like Adong, traveling long distances to health facilities often means losing a day's income. By bringing services closer, families can access care without sacrificing the work they rely on for survival.
Since April, humanitarian partners have assisted nearly 700,000 people in Karamoja and refugee-hosting districts with life-saving nutrition and health services.