The Ilimanyang’s struggle to sweat and why keeping cool is a matter of survival

For 600 members of the Ilimanyang community in Kapua village, Turkana, staying cool can be a matter of survival. In temperatures that can reach 39 degrees Celsius, they say they cannot sweat normally and must repeatedly sprinkle water on their skin to keep their bodies from overheating.

It affects newborn care, education and social acceptance. The Ilimanyang are seeking formal recognition of their medical needs as persons with disabilities, hoping this will open access to specialised healthcare, social protection and other government support.