Nigeria’s progress in eradicating malaria has been constantly impeded by climate change and its accompanying factors.
Speaking as a panelist in a session titled “Climate Change and Health Finance Dialogue” at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako emphasised the crucial need to address climate-related obstacles that could hinder Nigeria’s efforts to achieve a malaria-free status by 2030.
Salako pointed out that Nigeria, along with many other African nations, is facing the disproportionate health impacts of climate change. Communities are witnessing a resurgence of malaria, which is burdening the country’s health systems, jeopardising the progress towards malaria eradication and diminishing the productivity and economic well-being of the population.
He cited studies conducted in major Nigerian cities like Port Harcourt, Kano and Jos, which have shown a clear link between malaria prevalence and increases in rainfall and temperature. Salako stressed the necessity of a comprehensive and integrated approach to confront these challenges.
