Researchers from the SPRINGS project recently visited Haydom, Tanzania, and its surrounding villages to gain a better understanding of local water sources and their potential risks. This visit marked a significant step in the project’s efforts to address the impacts of climate change on waterborne diseases and improve water safety in the region.
The SPRINGS project aims to analyse 20 key water sources in and around Haydom. During this visit, the team focused on six of these sources, examining a variety of water supply types, including surface water, unprotected wells, and boreholes with motorised pumps. The team also identified potential pollution sources that could compromise water quality. This hands-on exploration will help develop a comprehensive overview of the water supply system in the area, highlighting vulnerabilities and opportunities for improvement.
Researchers from project partner RIVM worked closely with the local research team, learning how water samples are collected and analysed in the lab. They provided feedback on testing techniques to enhance these practices. This engagement will help ensure that local efforts align with SPRINGS' broader objectives of improving water safety and resilience.
The visit also included a preliminary assessment of community clinics, extending beyond the project’s existing hospital-based diarrhoea surveillance. By involving community health facilities, the team aims to link clinical data on diarrhoea more closely with assessments of drinking water quality and pathogen detection, providing a more holistic understanding of public health challenges.
Looking ahead, the SPRINGS project plans to support local teams with additional equipment for measuring water quality parameters, along with remote training. Another site visit is scheduled to further build local capacity and initiate work on water safety planning. Water sampling efforts will also begin next year, ensuring continuous data collection to inform relevant interventions.
This visit was a key moment for the SPRINGS project, emphasising the importance of collaborating with local communities to address water safety and resilience challenges. Each interaction and observation strengthened the project’s commitment to improving water resources and health in Haydom and beyond.
About the project:
SPRINGS is an EU-funded project focused on addressing the impact of climate change on waterborne diarrheal diseases. Diarrheal diseases are currently the third leading cause of death in children under 5 years of age globally. Compounded by global climate projections indicating increased precipitation, flooding, and drought, there is a looming threat to the progress made in reducing diarrheal disease burden. To inform and prioritise effective political responses, SPRINGS is building 4 case studies in Italy, Ghana, Romania, and Tanzania with contrasting vulnerabilities.