‘I had already given my baby a name’ – This is climate breakdown

The Guardian
The Guardian
2h ago 1 view
Gowend, a pregnant woman in Burkina Faso, faced severe dengue fever, leading to a miscarriage. Her story highlights the rising health risks associated with climate change.
‘I had already given my baby a name’ – This is climate breakdown
A What happened
Gowend, a woman from Burkina Faso, experienced severe dengue fever while pregnant, which ultimately led to a miscarriage. Initially unaware of her pregnancy, she suffered debilitating symptoms, including migraines and difficulty breathing. After fainting, she was hospitalized, where doctors confirmed her dengue diagnosis. Despite hopes for her unborn child, she faced the devastating news of miscarriage. Gowend's experience reflects the growing threat of dengue fever, exacerbated by climate change, particularly in Africa. Following her ordeal, she became proactive in preventing mosquito exposure, emphasizing the importance of awareness and community action against dengue.

Key insights

  • 1

    Rising dengue cases

    Dengue fever is increasingly prevalent in Africa and Asia due to climate change.

  • 2

    Impact on pregnancy

    Dengue has been linked to miscarriage, posing risks for pregnant women.

  • 3

    Community awareness

    Gowend's experience led her to advocate for mosquito prevention in her community.

Takeaways

Gowend's story illustrates the severe health impacts of dengue fever, particularly for pregnant women, and highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and preventive measures in the face of climate change.

Topics

Public Health Climate Change