Potential implications of climate change for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal 5, in the Gambia, West Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to explore the relationship between climate change and the achievement of the MDG 5; to reduce maternal mortality by three-quarters and provide universal reproductive health care by 2015. Data was obtained through on-site interviews with Gambians and analyzed for patterns and trends between interviewees. This study includes a detailed discussion of the current information regarding climate change and human health, a description of The Gambia as the study area, and a thorough examination of comments made by Gambians. The results of this study concluded that there is a connection between climate change and general weather changes and maternal health as it can directly decrease the access that women have to health care in rural ‘up country’ Gambia. However, though this is an important aspect of health care and needs to be addressed in order to reach MDG goals there are other factors that are having a bigger impact on The Gambia’s inability to reduce maternal mortality and provide universal reproductive care. These factors include: transport and movement, diet, poverty, seasonal job restraints, and gender issues.