Unsafe water fuels bilharzia surge on Jinja islands

Residents of Kisima I and II Islands in Jinja City are grappling with a rising bilharzia outbreak due to the breakdown of safe water supply. Residents are forced to buy water from the mainland at about shs2.000 ($0.53) per 20-litre jerrican, competing with other basic needs.

Residents are turning to lake water for domestic use, despite health warnings. 

Jinja City Health Officer reports that surveillance findings revealed that from the 60 stool samples collected from residents, 30 tested positive for Bilharzia.

Ms Twali Jamawa, the secretary for women’s affairs on Kisima II Island, has called for urgent investment in safe water and sanitation facilities, including toilets.

Read more about this feature story here: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/unsafe-water-fuels-bilharzia-surge-on-jinja-islands-5496206