Problem

Tanzania is among the 10 African countries most vulnerable to climate change. Droughts have led to food shortages, with women and children suffering the most from malnutrition.

Floods and water scarcity increase the risk of diarrheal diseases and disrupt maternal and child health services.

Vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue are expanding into new areas due to changing rainfall and temperature patterns.

Women farmers, who make up 70% of Tanzania’s agricultural workforce, face declining yields, increasing workloads, and food insecurity, which directly impacts household nutrition and maternal health.

McF Approach

1. Climate-Resilient Maternal & Child Health Services
   • Ensure health facilities serving women and children are climate-resilient (solar power, rainwater harvesting, flood protection).
   • Integrate climate risk preparedness into maternal and child health services.
2. Nutrition & Food Security for Women and Children
   • Promote climate-smart agriculture led by women farmers (drought-resistant

     crops, kitchen gardens).

   • Link nutrition programs with local food security initiatives.
3. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in a Changing Climate
   • Support community-led clean water projects in drought-affected regions.
   • Provide safe sanitation and hygiene kits during floods or displacement.
4. Disease Prevention & Preparedness
   • Strengthen malaria, dengue, and cholera surveillance in climate-vulnerable areas.
   • Train CHWs to identify and respond to outbreaks linked to climate events.
5. Women as Climate Leaders
   • Empower women to take leadership roles in local climate and health committees.
   • Provide training on climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and advocacy.
   • Support women-led green enterprises that both generate income and improve health (e.g., clean cookstoves, water purification solutions).