Choices for the Wodaabe and the Tuareg nomads

The list of ailments at the clinic almost always includes back pain, joint pain, headaches and often some kind of dermatosis. A young girl came in today complaining of back pain, headaches and a scalp problem which Dr. Skankey diagnosed as seborrhea. We explained the importance of washing herself and her scalp well and the importance of drinking more water as dehydration is often a cause of headaches. But she needs to haul the large plastic pail of water which contains about 20 gallons out of the well and then the 25 liter jerry cans or goatskins of water to the donkey’s back to carry them home. This is what causes her back strain. Water for bathing and drinking=backpain. Not an easy choice.