A peer‑reviewed study published in BioMed Central found drug‑resistant Salmonella in samples of raw and cooked foods and in community and household water in Karamoja. The research identified Salmonella enterica strains with high antibiotic resistance: more than 90 per cent resisted azithromycin and more than a third were resistant to multiple drugs. Ronald Mpagi of Gulu University led the study after years of little progress against persistent malnutrition.
Karamoja is semi‑arid and many families are nomadic pastoralists living in manyattas. Over 60 per cent practise open defecation, so human waste, livestock, food and water can mix and contaminate children’s meals. Diarrhoea is a leading cause of under‑five deaths and it makes malnutrition worse. The government gives hygiene education and trains farmers, and Uganda’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance uses hospital data to guide treatment.
Difficult words
- bacteria — Very small living things that can make people sick.
- contaminated — Made dirty or unsafe by something harmful.
- malnutrition — Not getting enough healthy food.
- antibiotics — Medicines that fight infections.
- drink — To take in liquid through the mouth.
- water — A clear liquid essential for life.
- food — Substance that people eat to get energy.
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Discussion questions
- Why do you think water shortages are a big problem?
- How can families improve their food safety?
- What do you think can help reduce health issues in this area?
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