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.