Photo by Erin Patrick, Women’s Refugee Commission. Woman and Baby, Thailand.
The use of biomass fuels for
cooking/heating leads to high levels of air pollution, especially when burnt on
traditional stoves indoors. Women and children are disproportionately affected by IAP. Families and
especially children are at risk of burns and death resulting from fires caused
by improper use/storage of cooking fuels or poorly designed shelters. GBV and
physical assault during firewood collection can cause lasting physical and
psycho-social damage and increased risk of contracting HIV; frequently carrying heavy loads of
firewood over long distances also has negative health consequences. Undercooking because
of lack of fuel can lead to foodborne disease; use of unsafe fuel sources can lead to acute/chronic
diseases. Access to clean/sufficient household energy is also important for
care of HIV/AIDS patients and health care in general.
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